Cost Engineer / Estimator

About the role

GFT is seeking a highly qualified Cost Engineer / Estimator to support major electric utility transmission and substation projects. This position can be remote with periodic travel to client offices and project sites. This position will work directly with the Senior Substation Estimator, Project Managers, Engineers, and Construction Managers to develop construction cost estimates, support procurement activities, maintain cost databases, review contractor pricing, and assist with project forecasting and financial management. This role is ideal for a developing estimator with utility, industrial, heavy civil, electrical, or construction experience who is looking to build expertise in transmission and substation infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed construction estimates
• Perform quantity takeoffs from engineering drawings, specifications, and design documents
• Compile labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing information
• Develop estimate worksheets, bid summaries, and supporting documentation
• Maintain estimating templates, databases, and historical cost information
• Support estimate reviews and estimate reconciliation efforts
• Assist with contractor and supplier bid evaluations
• Prepare bid tabulations and pricing comparisons
• Research supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Review quotations for completeness and scope compliance
• Support procurement activities and construction package development
• Assist with project budgeting and forecasting efforts
• Track estimate performance against project budgets
• Support development of project cash flow forecasts
• Assist with monthly cost reporting and financial analysis
• Identify cost trends and support variance reporting
• Assist in the review of contractor change orders
• Perform quantity and pricing checks for proposed changes
• Support development of independent cost estimates
• Track potential project cost impacts and changes
• Maintain change management logs and documentation
• Work closely with project management and project controls teams
• Support development of project cost reports and dashboards
• Assist with earned value and performance measurement reporting
• Maintain project cost records and supporting documentation
• Participate in project team meetings and estimate review sessions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3–7 years of estimating, cost engineering, project controls, or construction experience
• Experience with construction quantity takeoffs and cost development
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred skills

• Experience supporting electric utility, transmission, substation, industrial, or heavy civil projects
• Familiarity with construction estimating software and databases
• Understanding of construction contracts and procurement processes
• Experience with project controls, forecasting, and cost reporting
• Exposure to utility capital projects or EPC/EPCM project delivery
• Familiarity with Power BI or other reporting tools
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: electrical construction, utility infrastructure projects, transmission and substations, heavy civil construction, structural steel and foundations, underground utilities and duct banks, industrial construction, equipment installation projects

Pay

• Salary range: $115,000 - $140,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions