Estimator - Transmission and Substation

TW Power Line Construction, LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

TW Power Line Construction, LLC is seeking an experienced Estimator to support a active bidding pipeline for high-voltage transmission line and substation projects. The role focuses on creating accurate, competitive cost estimates and collaborating with project teams to ensure profitability and success.

The candidate will review drawings, prepare detailed quantity takeoffs, develop labor/equipment assumptions, solicit vendor quotes, and help drive winning proposals for utility, renewable energy,

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years estimating or relevant field experience in electrical, utility, or substation construction.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and documents.
• Experience with material takeoffs and labor/equipment estimates.
• Proficiency with Excel and estimating software.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Capacity to manage up to 5 bids simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for transmission line and substation projects.
• Review drawings, specs, bid documents to define scope and risks.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment.
• Develop productivity assumptions, crew compositions, durations.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor/subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare estimates including direct costs, indirect costs, overhead and profit.
• Support bid reviews and project handoffs with budgets and risks.
• Maintain historical cost databases and estimating templates.

Skills

Estimating

Electrical estimates

Bid management

Quantities takeoffs

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Roseville, CA office or remote

Salary: $100,000 - $190,000 DOE + bonus

Position Summary

TW Powerline is an established electrical utility contractor specializing in high-voltage transmission and substation construction. We provide comprehensive EPC construction services for utility, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects, with a focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

As we continue to grow, we are adding an experienced Estimator to support an active bidding pipeline and grow project backlog. This position is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for high-voltage transmission line and substation construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of electrical utility construction methods, material requirements, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and project execution. The Estimator will work closely with project management, field operations, engineering, vendors, and subcontractors to develop estimates that align with project requirements and company profitability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for transmission line and substation construction projects, including new construction, expansions, upgrades, and rebuilds.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, bid documents, and contracts to identify project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Develop labor productivity assumptions, crew compositions, equipment requirements, and construction durations.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates covering direct costs, indirect costs, contingency, overhead, and profit.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Develop bid clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and assumptions.
• Assist in preparing and submitting competitive proposals to utility, renewable energy, and EPC clients.

Project Handoff & Support

• Participate in bid reviews and project handoff meetings with project management and field operations. Provide detailed estimate breakdowns, budgets, assumptions, and identified risks to the project team.
• Support project managers with change order pricing and additional scope estimates.
• Compare estimated costs against actual project performance to improve estimating accuracy.
• Maintain historical cost databases, production rates, vendor pricing, and estimating templates.
• Assist with developing and improving company estimating standards and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of estimating or relevant field/project experience in electrical, utility, transmission, or substation construction.
• Strong understanding of transmission line and substation construction practices.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
• Experience performing detailed material quantity takeoffs and developing labor and equipment estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Capacity to manage up to 5 bids simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Field construction, project management, or superintendent experience.
• Experience with project scheduling software and construction cost tracking systems.

Performance Expectations

• Deliver accurate, complete, and competitive estimates on schedule.
• Minimize scope omissions and estimating errors.
• Maintain consistent estimating methods and documentation.
• Support successful project handoffs and budget development.
• Continuously improve estimating accuracy using actual project cost data.