Substation Estimator & Bid Specialist

Sonepar Canada, Inc.; Hudson (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K Plan

Competitive Medical Plans

Paid Time Off

Paid Company Holidays

Floating Holiday

On Demand Pay

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Life Insurance

Job summary

Irby Utilities is seeking a Substation Estimator to prepare accurate material takeoffs, cost estimates, and quotations for substation projects. You will read electrical and civil drawings, identify required materials, and coordinate with internal teams and vendors to support bids and proposals.

You will develop detailed takeoffs for transformers, breakers, switches, capacitors, bus systems, and civil components, while negotiating pricing to control costs and manage risk.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and understand electrical plans, specifications and construction drawings.
• Knowledge of substation materials, mechanical, and electrical functions.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates under deadlines.
• Ability to perform mathematical functions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across internal teams and external partners.
• Proven negotiation skills with vendors and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret substation electrical and structural specifications, and construction drawings to develop complete and accurate project estimates.
• Develop detailed material takeoffs and estimates for substation projects including: Power Transformers and transformer accessories, Circuit breakers and reclosers, Switches, Capacitor banks and reactors, Bus pipe and fittings, Connectors and hardware, Substation structures and foundations.
• Actively engage in vendor pricing negotiations to secure competitive costs while managing financial risk.
• Track revisions, RFIs, and scope changes impacting estimates.
• Collaborate with sales, Project Services operation, and branch/warehouse personnel to support project execution and customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to position Irby as a preferred supplier.
• Support sales efforts by identifying opportunities, proposing solutions, and aligning estimates with customer needs.
• Understand and apply financial modeling concepts related to project-oriented work, including margin risk and return.
• Manage multiple bids concurrently while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Participate as a key contributor in a high performing, independent team environment.

Skills

Electrical plans reading

Substation knowledge

Multitasking

Mathematical skills

Vendor negotiations

MS Office

Communication and collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Irby Utilities is seeking a Substation Estimator to prepare accurate material takeoffs, cost estimates, and quotations for substation projects. You will read electrical and civil drawings, identify required materials, and coordinate with internal teams and vendors to support bids and proposals.

You will develop detailed takeoffs for transformers, breakers, switches, capacitors, bus systems, and civil components, while negotiating pricing to control costs and manage risk.