Transmission & Substation Estimator - Associate/Sr/Lead

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, shareowners, and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities, and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are addressing challenges by investing in new infrastructure and technology to create a smarter, more reliable, and resilient energy grid. We are committed to advancing a cleaner energy future, driving innovation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability. PPL supports programs and organizations that empower future generations by building and maintaining strong, diverse communities.

About the role

This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite. PPL business processes require accurate and competitive electric utility work and project estimates. These estimates are used by Project Managers to manage costs on specific capital projects and programs, develop annual budgets, prepare long-term plans, and assess financial and resource management performance. The primary purpose of the Estimator position is to ensure that estimates, estimating processes, standards, information systems, and work practices meet these requirements effectively and efficiently. The role also ensures that both outside and internal estimates are competitive and support business objectives, including productivity improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide necessary tools and support to work groups responsible for detailed estimates and, for some capital projects, directly develop project estimates.
• Prepare the final overall project estimate and ensure estimate accuracy.
• Develop and maintain accurate estimating standards in PPL’s estimating systems, including the Construction Unit System. This involves creating, maintaining, and analyzing estimating data, as well as updating wage, overhead, material, and transportation loaders used to calculate project costs.
• Perform annual reviews and analysis of project actuals with project execution work groups, including Distribution, Transmission, and Substation Construction data.
• Work with T&D groups to develop new estimating standards when new equipment or material is specified for use in PPL.
• Develop and manage estimating processes and tools for all estimating efforts, including Order-of-Magnitude, Scope/Schedule/Cost, and detailed estimating processes. Seek opportunities to improve these processes and ensure adequate standards, feedback, communication, and controls.
• Develop project contingency based on risks and uncertainties associated with project execution. Document and communicate all assumptions underlying the estimate.
• Load estimate details into project schedule activities and ensure required skills are properly captured in the project plan.
• Participate in contract bid evaluations, including assessing cost exposure for change orders or scope additions.
• Interface with design groups to ensure efficient constructability of projects.
• Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of new estimating technologies.
• Maintain knowledge of new work methods, safety-related practices, and technology changes to keep estimating standards and tools current.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards.
• Note: Positions requiring driving as an essential function are considered safety-sensitive.

Requirements

• Associate Estimator: Bachelor’s degree OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Estimator: Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Senior Estimator: Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.
• Lead Estimator: Bachelor’s degree plus 7 years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with T&D equipment and processes.
• Statistical analysis skills and strong communication skills.
• Credentials or Cost Estimator certification by a recognized organization (for Senior and Lead Estimator roles).