Senior Estimating Lead - Power Projects

Direct Energy Business; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NRG Energy in Houston seeks a Senior Estimator to lead the development of comprehensive cost estimates for power projects across generation, T&D, and infrastructure. You will supervise the estimating team, maintain standards, and coordinate with multiple departments to ensure accurate pricing and bid readiness.

The role requires deep knowledge of power-industry projects, strong leadership, and proficiency with estimating systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management preferred, but not required, equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 8+ years estimating experience, including 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Expertise in power-industry projects (conventional generation, T&D, substations, storage, renewables, etc.).
• Proficiency with various estimating systems (InEight, Hard Dollar, RSMeans, etc.).
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and delivery of accurate, comprehensive cost estimates for power‑industry projects spanning generation, transmission, distribution, and supporting infrastructure.
• Oversee estimating standards, data, tools, and team performance to support project planning, proposals, and strategic decision-making.
• Exercises professional judgment and provides counsel to leadership.
• Lead and mentor the estimating team; manage workload and performance.
• Maintain estimating standards, tools, databases, and best practices.
• Prepare and review conceptual through detailed estimates for major power projects.
• Validate quantities, labor/equipment rates, vendor pricing, and cost assumptions.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategies, and bid reviews.
• Conduct estimate risk analysis and determine contingency requirements.
• Present estimate results to leadership, explaining assumptions, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Development, Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, Construction, Scheduling, and Finance to ensure alignment.
• Maintains library/database of estimates and schedules for various project types
• Comply with all applicable NRG policies, procedures, and controls
• Develops sound working relationships with project team members, contractors, and others

Skills

Leadership

Estimating systems

Power industry experience

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management

Tools

InEight

Hard Dollar

RSMeans

AutoCAD

Job description

NRG Energy in Houston seeks a Senior Estimator to lead the development of comprehensive cost estimates for power projects across generation, T&D, and infrastructure. You will supervise the estimating team, maintain standards, and coordinate with multiple departments to ensure accurate pricing and bid readiness.

The role requires deep knowledge of power-industry projects, strong leadership, and proficiency with estimating systems.