Executive Summary & Role Purpose
W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company is seeking a highly skilled Estimator III to support our Yates Industrial Division in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Estimator III serves as a senior-level discipline estimator and lead technical cost estimator for power generation projects within industrial facilities and utility-scale installations. Key focus areas include Pulp & Paper, Process Chemical, Specialty Metals, and Power.
This role requires deep expertise in quantity takeoff, labor productivity analysis, equipment sourcing, subcontractor evaluation, and bid packaging, along with high competency in Timberline (Sage Estimating) or equivalent industrial estimating software.
Key Responsibilities & Principal Duties
A. Estimating & Cost Modeling
- Prepare accurate, detailed multi-discipline estimates (lump-sum, unit-price, EPC, GMP, and conceptual budget models) for industrial power generation projects.
- Quantify and price heavy mechanical equipment installation.
- Perform detailed takeoffs and cost analysis for balance-of-plant (BOP) systems, heavy structural steel, process piping (high-pressure/high-temp steam lines), heavy civil foundations, and electrical/instrumentation (E&I) systems.
- Analyze project drawings, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, technical specs, equipment datasheets, and owner solicitations.
B. Software & Database Management
- Utilize Timberline (Sage Estimating) or similar industry-standard software (MC2, WinEst) to construct structured cost items, assemblies, and bid estimates.
- Leverage 3D models and digital takeoff software (eTakeoff, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu) for precise quantity verification.
- Maintain and update cost databases, unit rates, labor productivity factors, and historical performance metrics from completed power generation builds.
C. Subcontractor & Vendor Engagement
- Develop detailed scopes of work for specialized subcontractors (heavy rigging, specialized welding, NDT, insulation, refractory, E&I).
- Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and equipment vendor quotes to ensure scope alignment and competitive pricing.
- Maintain strong relationships with power generation equipment manufacturers and specialty industrial craft contractors.
D. Risk Analysis & Preconstruction Support
- Identify project-specific risks, site constraints, outage/turnaround schedules, constructability challenges, and long-lead equipment impacts.
- Collaborate with project managers, schedulers (Primavera P6), safety leads, and engineering teams to align estimate assumptions with execution strategies.
- Assist in preparing bid proposal packages, value engineering options, and executive estimate review presentations.
Required Qualifications & Competencies
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent combination of technical education and hands-on heavy industrial field experience.
- 7 to 10+ years of progressive experience in cost estimating for heavy industrial construction, with a strong focus on Power Generation and Cogeneration facilities.
- Demonstrated track record of estimating major power projects ranging from $5M to $100M+ in capital value.
Technical Software Competencies
- Mandatory Software Competency: Proficiency in Timberline (Sage Estimating) or similar heavy industrial estimating software (MC2, WinEst, etc.).
- Proficiency in digital takeoff applications (eTakeoff, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu).
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (custom cost sheets, pivot tables, data modeling).
- Familiarity with Primavera P6 scheduling logic and BIM/CAD software integration.
Core Industrial Discipline Knowledge
- High technical literacy in power plant mechanical systems, high-pressure piping (ASME codes), structural support steel, heavy rigging/crane operations, and power plant civil foundations.
- Familiarity with turnaround, shutdown, and tie-in execution strategies within active industrial power facilities.
Work Location & Travel Expectations
- Primary Base: Yates Construction Industrial Division Office - Birmingham, Alabama.
- Travel Requirement: Periodic regional site visits for pre-bid walk-throughs, site condition assessments, client meetings, and subcontractor coordination (approx. 10% - 20%).
Summary of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Estimate Accuracy & Completeness: Low variance between estimated budget and actual project cost baseline.
- Scope Verification: Zero scope gaps across vendor quotes and subcontractor bid packages.
- Turnaround Efficiency: Timely delivery of conceptual studies, budget updates, and final bid submissions.
- Database Integrity: Active contribution of post-project actual costs back into the Timberline database.
About Yates Construction
Ranked among the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the country by Engineering News-Record, Yates Construction is family-owned and provides a wide range of construction and building services. Incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr., we have steadily grown to become one of the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the nation. We are financially sound with a significant bonding capacity as well as vast personnel and equipment resources.
Our portfolio includes commercial and industrial projects from various sectors including arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. We work hard to understand our client's business needs and continually look for opportunities to provide additional value to our clients and their projects.
Our client relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the details and complexities of each project and communicating constantly with all team members.
Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.
Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.