Utility Estimator – Distribution, Transmission & Substation

CARIAN; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strong compensation

Full benefits

401(k) match

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

A purpose-driven consulting firm in Washington, DC seeks a Utility Estimator with over 8 years of experience in utility capital project estimating. Responsibilities include cost estimate development, validation, and coordination with engineering teams. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and be comfortable with on-site requirements. The role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth, emphasizing a collaborative culture and a focus on delivering impactful infrastructure work.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant estimating experience.
• Professional certifications such as AACE CCP/CEP, PMP, or PE preferred.
• Must be located within the DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia footprint.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review cost estimates for utility capital projects.
• Support estimate validation and benchmarking.
• Coordinate with engineering and construction teams.

Skills

Cost modeling and analytical skills

Utility T & D estimating experience

Collaboration with engineering and construction teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business

Job description

Utility Estimator – Distribution, Transmission & Substation

Location: Washington, DC (Client Site – Penn Quarter)
Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, woman-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a Utility Estimator to support cost estimating and controls across major electric utility capital programs. The ideal candidate brings strong experience developing and validating estimates for distribution, transmission, and substation work and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-embedded environment.

All positions require a minimum of three days per week on-site at the client or CARIAN office, frequent visits to active job sites, and may require full five-day on-site presence based on program needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and review cost estimates for utility capital projects
• Support estimate validation and benchmarking
• Coordinate with engineering and construction teams
• Track estimate accuracy and support cost forecasting
• Assist with change order and cost impact analysis
• Support program reporting and cost controls
• Participate in site visits as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related technical field required.
• Experience Level: 8+ years of relevant estimating experience
• Professional certifications such as AACE CCP/CEP, PMP, or PE are preferred.
• Utility T & D estimating experience required
• Experience with Exelon-family utilities preferred
• Otherwise, Mid-Atlantic / Northeast utility experience preferred
• Strong cost modeling and analytical skills
• Must be located within the DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia footprint
• Willingness for frequent on-site presence

Why CARIAN

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities
• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results
• Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams
• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships
• Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

Equal Employment Opportunity

CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a woman-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $110,000 – $150,000 annually. This range represents a good‑faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.