Project Estimator - Substation

Black & Veatch; Lake Charles (LA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

ESOP ownership

Job summary

Black & Veatch, an employee-owned leader in engineering, procurement, and construction, seeks a Discipline Estimator for Substation, Transmission, Distribution and Switchyard projects in a hybrid work setting. You will take off, compile, and review bids, estimates, and cost data, coordinating with teams across HV/MV infrastructure sectors.

The role emphasizes conceptual estimating, cost analysis and ongoing data updates, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Construction Management or related field preferred but not required.
• Field and/or project experience is a plus.
• Experience with estimating software and high-volume cost estimation.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for conceptual estimating, cost analysis and estimate coordination and consolidation.
• Reviews the design scope and develop quantities.
• Performs productivity analysis of estimates, prepare contingency, escalation and reconciliations for estimates.
• Performs comparisons of scope, quantities and cost data between projects.
• Prepares management presentations and develop the estimate basis.
• Updates and maintain historical cost data.
• Reviews designs and specifications for cost effectiveness and suggests alternatives where appropriate.
• Supports continuous improvement efforts and the change management effects associated with the implementation of improvements.
• Individual contributor with no subordinates

Skills

Estimating

Cost analysis

Analytical skills

Education

BS/MS in Construction Management or related field

Tools

InEight

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

Date: Sep 27, 2026

Location: Lake Charles, LA, US Ann Arbor, MI, US Houston, TX, US Garner, NC, US Overland Park, KS, US College Station, TX, US

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success.

As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation

Job Summary

Prepares and reviews lump sum, unit rate and cost plus estimates ranging from simple cost analysis to definitive estimates in support of proposals, project controls and project change orders encompassing all elements of electrical infrastructure. As a Discipline Estimator for Substation, Transmission, Distribution, and Switchyard projects, you will be the responsible for taking off, compiling, and reviewing bids and proposals for high-voltage and medium-voltage electrical infrastructure.

The Team

Technology, Industrial & Governments is a strategically aligned sector comprised of market Segments served through enterprise Solutions. The sector delivers integrated capabilities across Distributed Infrastructure, Integrated Facilities, and Mission Critical Solutions to support federal, industrial, and technology driven clients across public and private markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for conceptual estimating, cost analysis and estimate coordination and consolidation.
• Reviews the design scope and develop quantities.
• Performs productivity analysis of estimates, prepare contingency, escalation and reconciliations for estimates.
• Prepares contingency, escalation and reconciliations for estimates.
• Performs comparisons of scope, quantities and cost data between projects.
• Prepares management presentations and develop the estimate basis.
• Updates and maintain historical cost data.
• Reviews designs and specifications for cost effectiveness and suggests alternatives where appropriate.
• Supports continuous improvement efforts and the change management effects associated with the implementation of improvements.
• Individual contributor with no subordinates

Management Responsibilities

Individual Contributor

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS graduate in Construction Management or related field is preferred, but not required
• Field and/or project experience is a plus

Preferred Skills

• InEight and other Estimating Softwares skills are a requirement.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Microsoft Access proficiency.
• Complex estimating principles and practices including conceptual estimating .
• Cost analysis.
• Mathematical skills.
• Project design scopes.
• Consulting skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Interpret and understand specifications and contracts.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Calculator

Minimum Qualifications

• 6 to 20 years of relevant experience, including some estimating experience, is required.
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

Salary Plan

EST: Estimating

Job Grade

016

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Black & Veatch is committed to being an employer of choice by creating a valuable work experience that keeps our people engaged, productive, safe and healthy.

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers an array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company-matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

We are proud to be a 100 percent ESOP-owned company. As employee-owners, our professionals are empowered to drive not only their personal growth, but the company's long-term achievements - and they share in the financial rewards of the success through stock ownership.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

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