Cost Engineer Principal

Overview

Principal Estimator

Build Your Future at M.C. Dean

We're seeking driven individuals who are inspired by how engineering and innovation can improve lives, enhance customer outcomes, and make a positive impact on the world. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join over 5,500 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems, providing essential management platforms for long-term system sustainability.

M.C. Dean's estimation department is looking for a Principal Cost Engineer / Electrical Estimator to join our team in Austin, TX. The Electrical Estimator will handle electrical construction project bids and proposals from the bidding phase through construction, ensuring compliance with all standards, specifications, and budgets.

• Develop budgets and cost codes for projects; assist in preparing technical proposals, including scope of work, management plans, work sequence, safety, quality control, and commissioning.
• Gather data and assist in preparing bid proposal estimates and design/build proposals.
• Develop and present clear project scopes to clients and meet with potential clients to discuss proposals.
• Manage daily operations of projects or project sections.
• Create project schedules using the Critical Path Method; assign costs and manpower to forecast cash flow and labor needs.
• Interpret plans and specifications to determine materials and equipment needed and ensure compliance.
• Perform take-offs from drawings; price change orders.
• Understand and apply cost fundamentals; maintain current pricing information from suppliers and contractors.
• Identify value-added solutions and cost-saving methods.
• Establish labor and productivity rates.
• Identify and resolve change orders effectively.
• Price, track, and manage change orders.
• Coordinate logs, schedules, design development, and compliance matrices.
• Assist with field inspections and productivity tracking.

• 5+ years of experience with a Master's degree.
• 7+ years with a B.S. in Electrical, Civil, Architectural Engineering, or Construction Management.
• 10+ years with an associate degree.
• 12+ years with a High School diploma or GED.

• Proficient with Accubid and experienced in estimating, project management, and scheduling software.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Knowledge of design principles, codes, and safety standards.
• Familiarity with electrical equipment, materials, and specifications.
• Experience with contract documents including drawings, subcontracts, addendums, and change orders.
• Experience in technical writing.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality work and work collaboratively.
• Must pass a background check.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Local candidates preferred.
• Experience with MS Project, P6, and Accubid software.
• LEED certification and DBIA membership are a plus.
• Journeyman Electrician License is desirable.

• Ability to work with extended computer screen time.
• Sitting for long periods.
• Reach and finger dexterity for manipulating objects and using a keyboard.
• Effective listening, speaking, reading, and comprehension skills.
• Apply rules to solve specific problems.
• Understand and interpret speech and written information.