Senior Estimator (Electrical Substations)

I.B. Abel, Inc.; York (York County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle allowance program

401(k) with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Job summary

I.B. Abel, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator for our Substation Services division.

This role leads the estimating team through the lifecycle, develops detailed estimates, coordinates with vendors, and supports post-bid customer requirements. Travel is required within the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast; proficiency in Excel, Word, Primavera P6 and MS Project is essential; five+ years in electrical construction cost estimating preferred; Pennsylvania base with occasional travel to other

Qualifications

• Five or more years in electrical construction cost estimating.
• Experience guiding estimating teams and peer reviews.
• Ability to collaborate with PMs, vendors, and clients.

Responsibilities

• Review contract documents and perform material take-offs; obtain quotes and input for bids.
• Coordinate with Estimating Project Administrator for bid documents and RFIs.
• Review POs, subcontracts, and contracts for accuracy; identify change orders.
• Mentor associates; lead bid reviews; develop high-quality RFP deliverables.
• Support pre-construction meetings and communicate cost estimate basis to PM team.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional

Communication

Education

Electrical estimating experience

Tools

Excel

Word

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced electrical Senior Estimator for our Substation Services division. The position is responsible for providing effective leadership to the affiliated division's estimating group through all aspects of the estimating life cycle, including the development and submission of detailed and accurate estimates, guiding peer checks, and supporting post‑bid submission customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review all contract documents to understand requirements, risks, and pricing impacts; perform material take‑off; obtain vendor and subcontractor quotes and evaluate for completeness and best price; participate in the estimate review process with internal and external stakeholders; and prepare and/or provide input for customer deliverables (schedule, proposal letter, etc.).
• Work with the Estimating Project Administrator to upload project documents for vendors/subcontractors and submit RFIs for estimating questions by deadline; distribute qualification documents as required for the bid; prepare award documents for review to be submitted by deadline; and ensure complete and thorough pre‑construction planning and distribution of all documents per project delivery process.
• Review purchase orders, subcontracts, and contracts for accuracy; identify areas of importance (milestones, liquidated damages, etc.) and relay to project management (PM) team; identify possible change orders; and facilitate a scope review with the PM team to align estimate assumptions with project execution.
• Mentor Associate Estimators; assist in creating developmental plans for Associate Estimators; peer‑check all regional estimates and proposals; lead bid reviews; and work with others in the Group to develop RFP deliverables that are of the highest quality, accurate, and coincide with RFP expectations.
• Assist construction personnel at project startup to communicate basis and approach of cost estimate; attend pre‑construction/project meetings; and relay project insights to the PM team.

Qualifications

• Acceptable combination of education and/or work experience within the electrical utility industry (preferred); five (5) or more years of related experience in electrical construction.
• Knowledge of substation construction practices with familiarity of large substation projects.
• Ten or more years performing cost estimating for the electrical industry.
• Five or more years’ experience on GMP estimates.
• Design‑build estimating experience.
• Ability to travel as required throughout the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast.
• Knowledge of general construction practices.
• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code and NFPA 70E.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Primavera 6 and MS Project.
• Local to Pennsylvania (preferable) but with occasional travel to other offices, customer facilities, job sites and yard locations for offsite meetings (flexibility to work from home when appropriate).
• "Can‑do" attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to collaborate effectively with various teams.

Benefits

• Culture of growth; many leaders started at entry‑level field roles and advanced within the company.
• Flexibility & autonomy; empowering team success without micromanagement.
• Competitive compensation & benefits: salary, vehicle allowance program, 401(k) with company matching, tuition reimbursement, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Stability & variety: work for a multi‑generational family‑oriented business on diverse, fast‑paced projects without the stress of a large corporate structure.
• Incentives: performance‑based bonuses/incentives and a progressive PTO program that grows with tenure.
• Collaboration: team environment where we solve challenges together and celebrate wins.

IB Abel is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

It is the policy of I.B. Abel Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities.