Senior Electrical Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Electrical Estimator to support large-scale construction programs in the United States. You will lead the development of detailed electrical estimates, drive cost guidance through design and construction, and partner with project teams to enable informed commercial decisions.

The ideal candidate brings extensive electrical estimating experience, strong technical expertise, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in electrical estimating, cost management, preconstruction, or related role.
• Strong experience preparing detailed estimates and quantity takeoffs for large-scale projects.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, construction means and methods, and pricing practices.
• Experience reviewing contractor pricing, bid leveling, and cost analysis.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, OST, Accubid, Trimble, ConEst.
• Ability to read drawings, specs, and BIM data.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed electrical cost estimates for large-scale construction projects (power distribution, switchgear, generators, lighting, low-voltage).
• Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs from drawings, specs, and BIM models.
• Develop and manage labor, material, and equipment pricing aligned with budgets.
• Maintain cost data, benchmarks, and estimating standards for forecasting.
• Review bids, identify scope gaps, risks, and value improvements.
• Support value engineering and cost-effective project delivery with design and procurement teams.
• Identify risks related to pricing, labor availability, procurement lead times, and market conditions.
• Ensure estimates meet project requirements, codes, and industry standards.
• Prepare well-documented estimating deliverables and present findings.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to best practices.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Cost management

Preconstruction

Construction industry knowledge

BIM / drawings interpretation

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Bluebeam

OST

Accubid

Trimble

ConEst

Job description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people's lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world's most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.

Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people's lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world's most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.

Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Electrical Estimator to support the delivery of large-scale construction programs. This role is responsible for leading the development of detailed electrical estimates, providing cost guidance throughout design and construction, and partnering with project teams to support informed commercial decision-making. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical estimating experience, technical expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Candidates for this role must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Remote work is permitted only from within the United States; candidates located outside the U.S. cannot be considered for remote employment. Preference will be given to candidates located in or near San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed electrical cost estimates for large-scale construction projects, including power distribution, switchgear, generators, lighting, and low-voltage systems.
• Perform and oversee electrical quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and BIM models.
• Develop, validate, and manage labor, material, and equipment pricing aligned with project budgets and delivery strategies.
• Maintain historical cost data, benchmarks, and estimating standards to support future estimates and forecasting.
• Review and analyze contractor and subcontractor bids, identifying scope gaps, cost risks, and value improvement opportunities.
• Support value engineering efforts by evaluating alternative systems, materials, and installation approaches.
• Collaborate closely with design, procurement, and construction teams to support cost-effective project delivery.
• Identify and assess risks related to material pricing, labor availability, procurement lead times, and market conditions.
• Account for regional cost variations across U.S. markets, including labor rates, logistics, and material availability.
• Ensure estimates align with project requirements, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Prepare clear, well-documented estimating deliverables and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in cost reviews, procurement discussions, and commercial strategy sessions.
• Support change management by evaluating scope changes and associated cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide estimate handover documentation to project teams to support successful execution.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of experience in electrical estimating, cost management, preconstruction, or a related construction role.
• Strong experience preparing detailed estimates and quantity takeoffs for commercial, industrial, advanced technology, mission-critical, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, or other large-scale construction projects.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, construction means and methods, and industry pricing practices.
• Experience reviewing contractor and subcontractor pricing, bid leveling, and cost analysis.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as Bluebeam, OST, Accubid, Trimble, ConEst, or similar platforms.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and BIM-based information.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Previous experience mentoring junior estimators or leading estimating efforts is preferred.

Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

The salary range for this role is $100,000K-$170,000 USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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