Project Controls- Electrical Estimator

Strategic Staffing Solutions; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Staffing Solutions seeks an experienced Project Controls Specialist (Electrical Estimator) to support major electrical infrastructure and construction projects in the Detroit area. You will develop, validate, and manage estimates, support cost control, bid evaluation, change orders, and schedule integration as an individual contributor.

The role emphasizes ROM to detailed estimates, cost validation, and cross-functional collaboration within a matrixed project environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Electrical Journeyman estimating experience.
• 8+ years experience estimating electrical systems with an Associate Degree.
• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering with 6+ years estimating experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and update project estimates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare ROM, Budgetary, Unit Pricing, and Definitive estimates.
• Review design documents and scope packages for completeness and estimating accuracy.
• Validate contractor and engineering estimates, including quantity verification and cost analysis.
• Review and challenge contractor bids for scope accuracy and pricing.
• Develop estimate details by WBS to support cost-loaded project schedules.
• Perform cost analysis, benchmarking, risk analysis, value engineering, constructability reviews, and claims analysis.
• Apply estimating processes, standards, templates, and project controls methodologies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through lessons learned and after-action reviews.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED + 10+ years electrical estimating

Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering + 8+ years estimating

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering + 6+ years estimating

Tools

Excel

On-Screen Takeoff

Estimating software

Job description

Hybrid Schedule: Onsite Tuesday-Thursday (Must Be Local to Metro Detroit)

12-Month Contract with Possible Extension

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist (Electrical Estimator) to support major electrical infrastructure and construction projects. This position works closely with project management teams to develop, maintain, monitor, and validate project estimates while ensuring projects are executed efficiently and accurately.

This is an individual contributor role focused on estimating, project controls, cost analysis, contractor bid evaluation, change order review, scheduling support, and project cost validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and update project estimates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), Budgetary, Unit Pricing, and Definitive (Detailed) estimates.
• Review design documents and scope packages for completeness and estimating accuracy.
• Validate contractor and engineering estimates, including quantity verification and cost analysis.
• Review and challenge contractor bids for scope accuracy and optimal pricing.
• Evaluate change orders for scope and cost accuracy.
• Develop estimate details by Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to support cost-loaded project schedules.
• Perform cost analysis, benchmarking, risk analysis, value engineering, constructability reviews, and claims analysis.
• Apply estimating processes, standards, procedures, templates, and project controls methodologies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through lessons learned and after-action reviews.
• Work across multiple projects and stakeholders within a matrixed environment.
• Support project teams while adapting to evolving priorities and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

One of the following is required:

• High School Diploma or GED with 10+ years of Electrical Journeyman estimating experience, OR
• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 8+ years of experience estimating electrical systems, OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of experience estimating electrical systems

Technical Requirements

• Advanced understanding of electrical systems and construction estimating.
• Experience reading electrical plans and drawings.
• Experience calculating labor and material costs.
• Experience supporting large construction projects.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience developing and validating project estimates.
• Understanding of project controls, budgeting, and cost management principles.

Preferred Experience

• Renewable energy projects such as Solar or Wind.
• Electrical utility construction projects.
• Substation construction.
• Underground (UG) cable projects.
• Estimating engineering, design, project management, construction, commissioning, and related project costs.
• Experience with On-Screen Takeoff or similar estimating software.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work onsite as needed with expected attendance Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Must live within a commutable distance to Downtown Detroit.
• Ability to travel occasionally to project sites for contractor walkdowns and project support.
• Ability to work in industrial or power plant environments when required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional workgroups and project teams.
• Ability to communicate and present findings to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.