Lead Electrical Utility Estimator — Substations & Bids

Blue Signal Search; Fairfax (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Signal Search is seeking an experienced Electrical Utility Cost Estimator to lead cost estimation for electrical substation projects and related utility construction. You will translate complex plans into accurate labor, material, and equipment costs, and help shape competitive bids.

In this role, you will collaborate with project teams, review engineering documents, gather vendor pricing, and ensure budgets align with project schedules and risk considerations.

Qualifications

• Three+ years of experience in cost estimation for specialized projects.
• Experience estimating electrical substation and utility construction.
• Ability to analyze plans, specs, and documents for labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Experience gathering vendor pricing and bid proposals.
• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities.
• Collaborative, able to work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating process for substations and utility construction.
• Analyze plans, specs, and docs to determine labor, materials, equipment costs.
• Develop vendor relationships to collect pricing and strengthen bids.
• Assess conditions and scheduling to set realistic budgets.
• Identify missing scope and potential obstacles before pricing.
• Partner with leadership to refine bid approaches and proposals.
• Balance multiple bids and deadlines to ensure timely submissions.

Skills

Cost estimation

Bid development

Vendor pricing

Project budgeting

Analytical skills

Cost accuracy

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Technical degree preferred

Tools

Spreadsheets

Cost estimation software

Project management tools

Job description

Blue Signal Search is seeking an experienced Electrical Utility Cost Estimator to lead cost estimation for electrical substation projects and related utility construction. You will translate complex plans into accurate labor, material, and equipment costs, and help shape competitive bids.

In this role, you will collaborate with project teams, review engineering documents, gather vendor pricing, and ensure budgets align with project schedules and risk considerations.