Construction Electrical Estimator
Contract: 12-month contract-to-hire
Schedule: Hybrid | 1st Shift
Location: Detroit, MI
Pay: $50-70/hr
Job Summary
The Electrical Estimator supports project management teams by developing, monitoring, and updating project estimates and integrated project plans. This role applies established estimating methods, standards, and procedures to ensure projects are planned and executed efficiently.
This is an individual contributor position with discretion to select from alternative estimating approaches within defined policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, monitor, and update project estimates in support of project management teams
- Prepare Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), Budgetary, Unit Price, and Definitive (detailed) estimates
- Review design documents and scope packages for completeness and accuracy
- Review and validate contractor and engineering estimates, including quantities and pricing
- Analyze and challenge contractor bids for scope accuracy and cost optimization
- Review change orders for scope and cost accuracy
- Develop estimate details by Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to cost-load project schedules
- Perform cost analysis, risk analysis, benchmarking, value engineering, constructability reviews, and claim analysis
- Support development and implementation of estimating standards, processes, procedures, and templates
- Ensure estimating and planning controls are properly implemented and maintained
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including lessons learned and after-action reviews
- Work effectively in a team and/or matrixed environment supporting multiple clients
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities and evolving responsibilities
Minimum Education & Experience
One of the following is required:
- High School Diploma or GED with 10+ years of electrical journeyman estimating experience
- Associate degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 8+ years of relevant electrical estimating experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 6+ years of relevant electrical estimating experience
Technical Skills:
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience understanding electrical systems, reading plans, and calculating labor and material costs
- Experience supporting large construction projects, preferably in renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.)
- Electrical work experience with substations, overhead (OH), and underground (UG) cable systems
- Experience estimating full project lifecycle costs (engineering, design, construction, commissioning, etc.)
- Familiarity with on-screen takeoff tools or other estimating software
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work in a power plant or industrial environment (e.g., climbing stairs, confined or hot environments)
- Occasional travel to project sites for team support and contractor walkdowns
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate across all organizational levels
- Ability to present findings, advocate recommendations, and engage in persuasive discussions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate options and recommend optimal solutions
- Ability to coordinate and support cross-functional teams and projects
EOE (including Disability/Veterans)
How to Apply for This Job:
To apply for this position, please follow these steps: Apply for this job with your current resume. We’ll get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next you’ll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage we’ll give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours.