Project Estimator

PTAG; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work environment

Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Job summary

A leading Project Management Advisory firm is seeking a Project Estimator to lead cost development for high-voltage transmission projects. This role requires expertise in estimating overhead transmission and substation projects, collaborative engagement with stakeholders, and a solid educational background in engineering. The position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement within a dynamic work environment focused on safety and accountability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in electric utilities.
• Demonstrated experience with high-voltage transmission line projects.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost development for high-voltage transmission projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align cost baselines.
• Support cost governance processes aligned with utility standards.

Skills

Estimating experience

High-voltage transmission expertise

Cost modeling

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE)

Primavera P6

Advanced Excel-based estimating models

Job description

Project Estimator – San Francisco Bay Area, CA – Full Time – ID# 6797

Are you ready to make an impact in the Power industry? Join PTAG, a leading Project Management Advisory & Services firm, recognized across North America for helping world-class clients deliver major capital projects successfully.

About PTAG

At PTAG, we help our clients plan, manage, and execute their most challenging projects with innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

Our mission

Our mission is to help our clients achieve successful delivery and efficient operation of their capital projects.

Our vision

Our vision is to support global leaders in the selection, planning, and execution of their major initiatives.

Our Values Include

• Safety: The safety of our employees, suppliers, and clients is always the top priority.
• Collaboration: We build true partnerships with clients and service providers.
• Leadership: We elevate project performance through the application of best practices.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for every aspect of our engagements.
• Client Satisfaction: We strive for 100% satisfaction on every project.
• Integrity: We believe in open and transparent communication at all levels.

Role & Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead cost development and estimation activities for high-voltage transmission & substation infrastructure projects supporting major utility capital programs.

Transmission Cost Estimating

• Lead preparation of Class 5 through Class 1 cost estimates for high-voltage transmission projects
• Develop detailed cost models for overhead transmission lines (115kV+), including steel poles, lattice towers, foundations, and conductor systems
• Prepare estimates for transmission line rebuilds, reconductoring programs, underground transmission segments, and related civil work

Cost Modeling & Forecasting

• Develop labor-hour models for transmission construction crews and specialty contractors
• Prepare material cost forecasts for conductors, insulators, hardware, structural steel, foundations, and long-lead equipment
• Incorporate outage-driven construction sequencing, energization milestones, and access constraints into cost models
• Develop contingency strategies, escalation models, and risk-adjusted cost projections

Program & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with Project Developers, Engineers, Project Managers, and Project Controls teams to align cost baselines with project scope and schedule
• Support capital justification documentation and regulatory reporting requirements
• Review contractor bids and support independent cost validation and reconciliation
• Present cost baselines and estimate assumptions to project leadership and stakeholders

Estimating Governance & Standards

• Support cost governance processes aligned with utility capital planning standards
• Ensure estimates reflect environmental, ROW, permitting, and access-related cost impacts
• Maintain documentation supporting estimate development, assumptions, and basis of estimate

Qualifications / Requirements

To Succeed In This Role, You Bring

• 5+ years of estimating experience within electric utilities or utility-focused EPC environments
• Demonstrated experience estimating high-voltage transmission line and/or substation projects (115kV and above)
• Experience estimating overhead transmission construction, including structures, foundations, conductor systems, and line hardware
• Experience estimating transmission rebuilds, reconductoring programs, and underground transmission segments
• Deep understanding of transmission construction sequencing and outage-based work
• Strong knowledge of transmission labor modeling and material cost drivers
• Ability to interpret transmission engineering drawings, specifications, and construction scopes
• Experience presenting cost estimates and capital baselines to senior leadership and project stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Experience with utility-focused estimating tools such as:
• Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE)
• Cleopatra Enterprise
• Primavera P6 (including cost loading)
• Advanced Excel-based estimating models
• Bluebeam, Procore, McCormick System
• SAP or EcoSys for capital governance
• Hard Dollar / HeavyBid for civil scope components

Why Join PTAG?

At PTAG, you’ll be part of a dynamic, growing consulting firm that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation.

Opportunity to work on major infrastructure and capital projects.

• Exposure to industry-leading clients and partners.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible work environment and opportunities for advancement.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• A culture that values safety, accountability, and excellence.

PTAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

PTAG uses AI-enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including reviewing applications against job-related criteria. These tools are used to assist our recruiters. All hiring decisions are made by PTAG recruiters and hiring managers.