Manager, Estimating

Direct Energy Business; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NRG is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating for power projects. The role requires managing the estimating team, validating cost estimates, and collaborating with various project stakeholders. Candidates should have 8+ years of experience in estimating, with strong leadership and communication skills.

The successful candidate will work closely with project management and engineering teams, ensuring alignment on estimating standards and best practices. A degree in engineering or construction management is preferred, but equivalent experience will also be considered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years estimating experience, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Expertise in power-industry projects including T&D, substations, and renewables.
• Proficiency with various estimating systems and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the estimating team; manage workload and performance.
• Prepare and review conceptual through detailed estimates for major power projects.
• Conduct estimate risk analysis and determine contingency requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Estimating experience (8+ years)

Proficiency in estimating systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management

Tools

InEight

Hard Dollar

RSMeans

Microsoft Project

AutoCad

Job description

Date: May 30, 2026

Location: Houston, TX, US, 77010

Company: NRG

Overview

This is a senior level position with NRG. The successful candidate will possess the skills needed to:

• Leads the development and delivery of accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for power‑industry projects spanning generation, transmission, distribution, and supporting infrastructure.
• Oversee estimating standards, data, tools, and team performance to support project planning, proposals, and strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Exercises professional judgment and provides counsel to the DE&C Leadership Team
• Lead and mentor the estimating team; manage workload and performance.
• Maintain estimating standards, tools, databases, and best practices.
• Prepare and review conceptual through detailed estimates for major power projects.
• Validate quantities, labor/equipment rates, vendor pricing, and cost assumptions.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategies, and bid reviews.
• Conduct estimate risk analysis and determine contingency requirements.
• Present estimate results to leadership, explaining assumptions, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Development, Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Construction, Scheduling, and Finance to ensure alignment.
• Maintains library/database of estimates and schedules for various project types
• Comply with all applicable NRG policies, procedures, and controls
• Develops sound working relationships with NRG project team members, contractors, and others

Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of construction industry practices, methods and processes
• Knowledge of construction work sequences, field disciplines and work place logistics
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management preferred, but not required, equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 8+ years estimating experience, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Expertise in power-industry projects (conventional generation, T&D, substations, storage, renewables, etc.).
• Proficiency with various estimating systems (InEight, Hard Dollar, RSMeans, etc.).
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, Power Point and/or Access is desirable
• AutoCad knowledge a plus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management preferred, but not required, equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 8+ years estimating experience, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Expertise in power-industry projects (conventional generation, T&D, substations, storage, renewables, etc.).
• Proficiency with various estimating systems (InEight, Hard Dollar, RSMeans, etc.).
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written communication, consensus building, etc.)
• Proven ability to work with people and provide instructional guidance / coordinate team actions
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under restricted time frames and with competing priorities
• Knowledgeable of project financing, accounting, and control systems and processes a plus
• Some travel may be required to support group functions or project specific plans and estimates

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant\'s experience or skills.

Nearest Major Market: Houston