Power Utilities Estimator I: Build the Grid's Budget

Henkels & McCoy, Inc.; Livingston (NJ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. in Livingston, NJ is seeking an Estimator I – Power Utilities to prepare timely, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for electric utility projects, including distribution, transmission, substations, and related civil work.

The role supports bid preparation for utility-driven work scopes and collaborates with operations, engineering, and project management to ensure estimates meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating, preferably within the electric utility or power delivery industry.
• Ability to read and interpret utility drawings, specifications, and standards.
• Understanding of electric utility construction methods, materials, and industry practices.
• Experience with computerized estimating and bidding software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant estimating experience.
• 1–3 years of experience estimating.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for electric utility projects, including overhead and underground distribution, transmission lines, substations, and associated civil work.
• Analyze utility bid documents, drawings, specifications, work orders, and standards to develop accurate pricing.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor estimates using historical cost data, productivity rates, and utility-specific unit pricing.
• Assist with estimating for long-term utility programs, including master service agreements and task-order based work.
• Participate in site visits to assess field conditions, access constraints, and constructability considerations specific to power utility work.
• Support change order pricing by evaluating scope changes, unit rate adjustments, and field-driven modifications.
• Maintain organized bid documentation and estimating backups to meet internal review and utility audit requirements.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, supply chain, and project management teams to validate assumptions and align estimating strategies.
• Assist in developing and refining estimating guidelines, databases, and cost models specific to electric utility construction.
• Interface with utility clients and internal stakeholders to support bid presentations, clarifications, and planning discussions.
• Ensure all estimates align with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements applicable to power utilities.

Skills

Construction estimating

Reading utility drawings & specs

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Communication across teams

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Estimating software platforms

Job description

Henkels & McCoy, Inc. in Livingston, NJ is seeking an Estimator I – Power Utilities to prepare timely, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for electric utility projects, including distribution, transmission, substations, and related civil work.

The role supports bid preparation for utility-driven work scopes and collaborates with operations, engineering, and project management to ensure estimates meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.