Principal Estimator

Colorado Springs Utilities; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 145,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Colorado Springs Utilities seeks an experienced Principal Estimator to design and lead the enterprise estimating program. You will shape standards, tools, and training to ensure accurate, defensible cost estimates for water, gas, electric, and wastewater projects.

The role requires advanced estimating expertise, QA/QC leadership, and the ability to partner across engineering, PMO, finance, and procurement to build a new organizational function. On-site in Colorado Springs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering or related field; advanced degrees/certifications valued.
• Multi-years of demonstrable experience in AEC estimating within utilities or public infra.
• Experience improving standards, cost databases, and QA/QC programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead Estimating Standards & Governance across programs.
• Drive cost data management with libraries, unit prices, and models.
• Ensure estimate quality via QA/QC reviews and data validation.
• Grow organizational capability through estimating training for engineers and PMs.
• Support bids, reviews, and capital planning for utility infra projects.

Skills

Estimating standards

Cost data management

QA/QC

Cost benchmarking

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Construction Management

Advanced degree or certifications (AACE CCP/CEP, ASPE, PMI)

Tools

HCSS

RSMeans

InEight

Sage

Job description

Principal Estimator

Job Type: Finance & Accounting

Pay Range $144,913 to $152,151

Location Colorado Springs, CO

Date First Posted 2/24/26

This is an on-site, non-remote/non-telecommuting position for the initial 6-month probationary period; a hybrid schedule will be considered after the probationary period has been completed

Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking Estimator to establish and lead our enterprise estimating program, building the estimating practice that shapes our community’s infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity in our Project Controls team in the System Planning & Projects Division. Our team of dedicated professionals meets our organization's needs by ensuring that infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently throughout their lifecycle through the effective application of project controls skills and supporting tools and systems.

In this high‑impact role, you will serve as the organization’s subject‑matter expert, designing the standards, tools, and training that ensure every project—from treatment plants to pipelines—begins with accurate, consistent, and defensible cost estimates.

As a community‑owned utility delivering Electric, Gas, Water, and Wastewater services, we manage a diverse capital portfolio that includes both vertical and linear infrastructure projects.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Estimating Standards & Governance
• Develop and maintain estimating standards, procedures, workflows, and BOE frameworks
• Establish classification guidelines (AACE or equivalent)
• Recommend software, tools, and cost model structures
• Drive Cost Data Management
• Build and maintain cost libraries, unit price databases, and parametric models
• Integrate lessons learned and historical cost data
• Advance Estimate Quality
• Conduct QA/QC reviews for internal and external estimates
• Validate quantities, labor, unit costs, escalation, and contingencies
• Reconcile estimates throughout design progression
• Grow Organizational Capability
• Create and deliver estimating training for engineers, PMs, and internal partners
• Support Projects & Portfolio Priorities
• Prepare or oversee estimates for a wide range of utility infrastructure:
• Water/wastewater treatment facilities
• Pump/lift stations & electrical substations
• Transmission, distribution, and collection pipelines
• Mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, and I&C components
• Select appropriate estimating methodologies
• Manage external estimating consultants
• Support bid reviews, negotiations, and capital planning

Who you are

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or similar is preferred
• An advanced degree or certifications (AACE CCP/CEP, ASPE, PMI) is valued
• Multi-years of demonstrative experience in AEC estimating, ideally within utilities, EPC, water/wastewater, or public infrastructure
• Demonstrated success in producing multidisciplinary estimates
• Experience improving standards, cost databases, and QA/QC programs
• Familiarity with DBB, PDB, EPC, and other delivery methods
• Experience reviewing or managing consultant‑prepared estimates
• Proficiency in tools such as HCSS, RSMeans, InEight, Sage, or similar
• Expertise in quantity takeoff, labor productivity, indirect, escalation, risk, parametric, and conceptual estimating
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specs, and construction documents
• Data analysis and cost benchmarking skills
• Strategic thinker ready to build a new organizational function
• Influential leader who drives the adoption of new processes
• Proven partner to engineering, PMO, construction, finance, and procurement
• Committed to continuous improvement and data‑driven decisions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

Our Commitment to Our Employees…

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High‑Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self‑care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre‑tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer‑paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work‑life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness

ATTENTION

• All positions will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days.
• Starting pay will be based on the successful candidate's experience, education, and training; however, those with limited direct experience could start below the posted pay range.
• If a single pay rate is posted, the job starts at that rate regardless of previous experience, education, and training.
• Colorado Springs Utilities does not sponsor work visas of any kind, including H-1B, TN, or F-1 student visas (with or without OPT or STEM work authorization), or any other employment‑based visas. All eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, and work authorization must not be based on employer sponsorship of a work visa.

Colorado Springs Utilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity in accord with Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, 38 U.S.C. § 4212, as amended (VEVRAA), and § 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (§ 503). In addition, no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis protected under state or federal law. Human Resources shall assure Colorado Springs Utilities’ benefits, classification, compensation, employee development, employee relations, and employment programs, conform to current legal and regulatory requirements and the provisions of Colorado Springs Utilities’ Affirmative Action Plan in accordance with VEVRAA and §503.

Accessibility Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting [e-mail] or by calling 719-668-7500. This option is reserved for individuals who are unable to use or require assistance with the online tools as a result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes.

E-Verify and Right to Work Notice

E-Verify and Right to Work Notice. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Colorado Springs Utilities participates in E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit: http://coloradospringsutilities.jobs/applicants-rights-and-responsibilities/. If you have a legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace. You should know that no employer can deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin. Unless mandated by law or government contract, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or refuse any legally acceptable documents. If any of these things have happened to you, you may have a valid charge of discrimination that can be filed with the OSC. Contact the OSC for assistance in your own language. Call 1-800-255-7688. TDD for the hearing impaired is 1-800-237-2515. In the Washington, D.C., area, please call 202-616-5594, TDD 202-616-5525 Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20530.

Have a question?

If you have a question about a position or need assistance from a recruiter, email us at [e-mail] or call 719-668-7500.

Job Type: Finance & Accounting