Sr. Manager, Estimating

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

Date: Aug 25, 2026

Location:

Houston, TX, US, 77010

Company: NRG

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You’ll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success—take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!

Position Overview

• 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.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Exercises professional judgment and provides counsel to the DE&C Leadership Team
• 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 NRG project team members, contractors, and others

Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of construction industry practices, methods and processes
• Knowledge of construction work sequences, field disciplines and work place logistics
• 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.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, Power Point and/or Access is desirable
• AutoCad knowledge a plus

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.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written communication, consensus building, etc.)
• Proven ability to work with people and provide instructional guidance / coordinate team actions
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under restricted time frames and with competing priorities
• Knowledgeable of project financing, accounting, and control systems and processes a plus
• Some travel may be required to support group functions or project specific plans and estimates

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.

Nearest Major Market: Houston