Substation Estimator

Job Summary

The Estimator position at Energy Erectors, Inc. (EEI - A MasTec Company) is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical substation projects up to and including 500 kV. This includes new substations and switchyards, as well as modifications, additions, and upgrades to existing facilities. Projects may involve interconnections for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), renewable generation (solar, wind), and other Distributed Energy Resources (DER).

Responsibilities

• Analyze bid packages, engineering drawings, one-lines, structure lists, and profiles to develop comprehensive takeoffs and estimates.
• Prepare labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material estimates based on known production rates and field input.
• Develop budgets and bid proposals in alignment with client specifications and internal margin goals.
• Participate in constructability reviews and pre-bid job walks to validate access, site conditions, and phasing.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Operations, and Engineering to ensure consistency between estimate and project execution plan.
• Solicit and qualify quotes from suppliers and subcontractors; maintain current pricing databases.
• Identify commercial and technical risk exposures in bid packages and support the development of mitigation strategies.
• Support the pricing and documentation of change orders, scope growth, and contract modifications.
• Prepare and maintain detailed bid summaries, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications.
• Lead hand-off meetings with operations to transition successful bids into active projects.
• Track and analyze historical cost data to refine labor/productivity assumptions and improve estimate accuracy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of estimating experience in substation line construction (69kV-500kV).
• Ability to interpret and quantify scope from engineering drawings, structure tables, plan/profile sheets, and specs.
• Strong understanding of high-voltage construction processes: access prep, foundations, structure erection, conductor installation, and environmental controls.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with estimating software (Bid2Win, HeavyBid, InEight, or equivalent).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface directly with project managers, field leadership, engineers, and client representatives.

Preferred

• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Prior field experience in substation line construction (e.g., foreman, superintendent, or PE).
• Familiarity with scheduling and planning tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, or other CPM-based platforms.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as NESC, OSHA 1926, and utility-specific construction specifications.
• Experience with investor-owned utility bid systems and processes (e.g., Duke Energy, Southern Company, Dominion).

Skills And Success Traits

• Initiative: Seeks opportunities to improve accuracy and reduce risk in estimating process.
• Ownership: Takes full responsibility for assigned estimates' accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Team Player: Works cross-functionally with operations, safety, project controls, and procurement to support one shared goal: delivering successful bids.
• Adaptability: Able to respond to changing bid schedules, scope clarifications, or client feedback with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Office-based role with occasional travel to job sites for walkdowns, pre-bid meetings, or client engagement. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, sit or stand for extended periods, and navigate uneven terrain on site visits. Use of computers, standard office software, and estimating systems on a daily basis.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance.
• A 401k plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan.