Project Cost Estimator (Intermediate, Senior, or Principal)

ITC Holdings Corp; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ITC Holdings Corp. is seeking an Intermediate/Senior/Principal Project Cost Estimator to develop and validate cost estimates for transmission, substation, and generation interconnection projects. You will lead reviews, provide expert judgment, and support capital planning.

Responsibilities include analyzing data, benchmarking practices, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring data accuracy across estimating tools and templates. A PMP and Power BI experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field or equivalent experience.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of electrical utilities cost estimating.
• Experience with project controls processes including scheduling and cash flow forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Create conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for transmission, substation, and generation interconnection projects.
• Lead estimate reviews with stakeholders and support decision making.
• Develop and maintain estimating templates, models, and data governance practices.

Skills

Estimating

Project controls

Excel

Power BI

PMI PMP

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Intermediate Project Cost Estimators

• Independently develops project cost estimates for projects of moderate complexity; identifies cost risks, scope gaps, and estimating inconsistencies; and may lead estimate review discussions with project stakeholders.
• Develops construction cost estimates for transmission line and substation projects through the evaluation of project plans, specifications, drawings, quantities, labor, equipment, and material costs.
• Develops detailed project estimates based on ITC standards and site-specific facility drawings.
• Schedules and leads comprehensive estimate reviews with upper management, project managers, field personnel, and scoping parties to cover scope, review costs, subcontractors, and risk.
• Provides expert judgment of costs to support competitive bid projects.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of estimating templates, tools, databases, and related applications to support consistent and reliable project estimates.
• Provides pre-construction support and technical expertise to project management team as needed.
• Reviews and evaluates subcontractor quotes for scope gap and process follow up requests.
• Interfaces and seeks clarification from internal groups such as supply chain, engineering and project management to proactively resolve any inconsistencies in cost estimating data.
• Conducts field visits as required to assess site requirements and project conditions.
• Attends pre-and-post bid meetings as required and be able to effectively present information related to cost estimates.
• Transfers completed estimates and applicable bid documents to the Project Management team in accordance with internal process requirements and established timelines.
• Supports the development and maintenance of internal cost estimating metrics by providing accurate, timely, and relevant data to drive performance measurement, trend analysis, and informed decision-making.
• Participates in Capital Committee meetings to aid project owners in the explanation and justification of project costs and variances.
• Participates in meetings, training, and conferences to strengthen professional knowledge and skills.

Senior Project Cost Estimator

• Create conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for complex transmission, substation, and generation interconnection projects.
• Performs advanced estimate risk analysis, contingency modeling, and estimate validation to support project funding decisions.
• Develops and enhances estimating methodologies, standards, cost models, and benchmarking practices and related applications to support consistent and reliable project estimates.
• Analyzes historical cost data, market trends, labor productivity factors, and escalation impacts to improve estimate accuracy.
• Serves as the estimating subject matter expert (SME) during project development and stage gate reviews.
• Independently resolves complex estimating issues involving scope uncertainty, constructability challenges, and competing project alternatives.
• Facilitates estimate review workshops and challenge sessions with engineering, project management, construction, permitting, real estate, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Provides technical oversight and quality assurance of estimates prepared by junior estimators.
• Prepares and presents estimate assumptions, risks, and recommendations to department leadership and project sponsors.
• Mentors and trains estimators on estimating methodologies, ITC processes, industry standards, and software tools.
• Supports process improvement initiatives that enhance estimating efficiency, consistency, and reporting capabilities.

Principal Project Cost Estimator

• Leads estimating strategy for complex, high-value, or high-risk capital projects and programs.
• Establishes and enhances cost estimating processes, governance practices, and organizational capabilities within Project Controls.
• Develops and/or assist in the development of enterprise-level estimating frameworks, benchmarking programs, and performance metrics.
• Leads the development of enterprise estimating frameworks, automation initiatives, data governance practices, and benchmarking programs and related applications to support consistent and reliable project estimates.
• Leads cross-functional efforts to improve estimating maturity, data quality, forecasting capability, and cost management integration.
• Evaluates industry trends, market intelligence, labor conditions, material pricing, and emerging technologies to assess impacts on future project costs.
• Represents ITC in industry working groups, benchmarking studies, and professional estimating organizations.
• Leads independent estimate reviews and estimate audits for critical capital projects.
• Provides expert testimony, technical support, and negotiation assistance related to claims, change orders, contract disputes, and regulatory filings.
• Coaches and develops estimators across all levels while serving as a technical mentor for estimating leadership.
• Identifies strategic opportunities to improve estimate accuracy, reduce project risk, and optimize capital investment decisions across the project portfolio.
• Drives implementation and continuous improvement of estimating tools, systems, digital solutions, and data governance practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education.
• Minimum Work Experience Required
  • Intermediate: Minimum of two (2) years of related experience
  • Senior: Minimum of six (6) years of related experience.
  • Principal: Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of electrical utilities cost estimating depending on the level of the position.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of construction project cash flow forecasting depending on the level of the position.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of project management and project controls processes, including construction scheduling, cost estimating, and cash flow forecasting.
• Possesses sound analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside of ITC.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Works effectively with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
• Possesses electrical and civil Engineering experience/knowledge preferred.
• Possesses Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI preferred.
• Manages multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Learns and uses job‑specific software.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.

About Us

Make a Power Move - For the Greater Grid: Reliable. Resilient. Ready.

As AI innovation, automation and economic growth reshape the way we live and work, the demand on our power infrastructure is growing fast. At ITC, we’re building the greater grid that’s ready for today’s technology and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Our people bring the power - fueling innovation and strengthening the grid every day. We’re looking for individuals who are ready to make a power move and help us build a greater grid for a more reliable and affordable energy future.

ITC offers industry‑leading compensation, benefits and opportunities to channel your energy into solutions. We foster a culture of belonging - where every voice is valued, differences are celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Make a power move today.