Senior Estimator (Utility Transmission & Distribution)

I.B. ABEL INC; Macungie (Lehigh 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, vision benefits

Job summary

IB Abel, a long‑standing engineering and construction firm, seeks a Senior Estimator to analyze blueprints, specs, quotes, and other docs to prepare comprehensive bids for utility transmission and distribution projects. You will lead RFP management, takeoffs, and subcontractor coordination with internal teams.

The role requires 5–10 years in utility construction estimating, a relevant Engineering/Construction Management degree, and proficiency with MS Office and estimating tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 to 10 years’ experience in the utility construction industry and estimating knowledge.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management or similar preferred.
• Knowledge of NEC/NFPA 70E and general construction practices.
• Proficiency with MS Office; familiarity with MS Projects and Primavera a plus.
• Local to Pennsylvania with occasional travel to other offices and sites.

Responsibilities

• RFP and Bid Document Management - organize and review bid docs for accuracy and completeness.
• Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs - labor/material takeoffs and cost estimation.
• Vendor and Subcontractor Coordination - solicit quotes and evaluate for competitive pricing.
• Bid Development and Proposal Preparation - prepare value schedules and bid deliverables.
• Estimate Review and Internal Collaboration - participate in cross‑functional bid reviews.
• Project Turnover and Construction Support - assist turnover and support during construction.

Skills

Estimating

Bid management

Vendor coordination

Collaboration

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Projects

Primavera

MS Office

Job description

About Us

IB Abel’s 110-year history is a testament to its adaptability, forward-thinking leadership, commitment to safety, and stellar service and project delivery process. Our core values—Responsible, Integrity, Results-Oriented, Ownership, and Professional—shape everything that we do at all levels of the company and are purposefully incorporated into all company communications, meetings, and strategic planning. Our use of the EOS model (Entrepreneurial Operating System) also provides structure and clarity among all levels of the company to maintain focus on our shared goals.

IB Abel (IBA) is committed to providing ample learning and career development opportunities to its team members via our Associate's Program in Project Management, Estimating, and Accounting and our growing Learning Management System.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator who is responsible for analyzing blueprints, specifications, quotes, and other documentation to prepare an all-inclusive quality and accurate bid submission for utility transmission and distribution projects.

Key Responsibilities

• RFP and Bid Document Management - Organize and maintain Request for Proposal (RFP) and bid documentation; review contract and RFP documents to understand project requirements and contractual obligations, including schedules, specifications, drawings, and safety manuals; and review bid documents for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.


• Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs - Complete labor takeoffs to determine project labor requirements and estimated costs; complete material takeoffs to determine project material requirements and estimated costs; and apply project specifications, drawings, schedules, and contractual requirements to the development of accurate and competitive estimates.


• Vendor and Subcontractor Coordination - Solicit and obtain vendor and subcontractor quotations; evaluate quotes for completeness, accuracy, scope coverage, and competitive pricing for inclusion in project bids; and ensure purchasing policies, procedures, and ethical standards are followed throughout the procurement and estimating process.


• Bid Development and Proposal Preparation - Distribute required qualification documents; prepare and/or contribute to customer-required bid deliverables, including schedules of values, project schedules, and bid clarifications; and ensure bid submissions address customer requirements and accurately reflect project scope, pricing, and contractual obligations.


• Estimate Review and Internal Collaboration - Participate in estimate review meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders; participate in estimating meetings to review bid activity, priorities, and departmental performance; and collaborate with relevant departments and stakeholders to validate estimates, identify risks, and support sound bidding decisions.


• Project Turnover and Construction Support - Lead estimating turnover meetings for awarded projects with Project Management and Construction teams; communicate key project details, estimate assumptions, scope considerations, potential change orders, and other relevant project highlights; and support the Project Management Team during construction by providing estimating-related information, clarifications, and assistance as needed.

Who We’re Looking For

• An acceptable combination of education and/or work experience within the Electric Utility industry (Electric Utility preferred) with Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management or similar preferred.

• Minimum 5 to 10 years’ experience in the utility construction industry and estimating knowledge of utility industry.


• An acceptable combination of education and work experience with transmission or distribution projects, validating estimating skill level.


• Knowledge of general construction practices.


• Knowledge of the National Electric Code and NFPA 70E.


• Knowledge of Microsoft Projects and/or Primavera a plus


• Proficient in MS Office applications with strong skills in Excel, Word, and MS Project.


• Local to Pennsylvania (preferable) with occasional travel to other offices, customer facilities, jobsites and yard locations for offsite meetings (flexibility to work from home when appropriate).


• A “can-do” attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to collaborate effectively with various teams.

Why Choose IBA

• Culture of Growth: Many of our leaders started in entry-level field roles and advanced within the company.


• Flexibility & Autonomy: We empower our team to succeed without micromanagement.


• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Includes competitive salary, vehicle allowance program, 401(k) with company matching, tuition reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.


• Stability & Variety: Work for 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 programs that grows with your tenure!


• Collaboration: A team environment where we work together to solve challenges and celebrate wins.

Step Into a Career That Powers the Future!

IB Abel is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants are encouraged to.