Substation Estimator

About the Role

Elevated Site Works is growing fast in the renewable energy space, and we’re looking for a Substation Estimator who understands how to turn complex drawings into accurate, buildable numbers. You’ll be focused on medium- and high-voltage substations tied to utility-scale solar farm sites, working closely with our civil, electrical, and project management teams to price work that we can actually build safely and profitably.

• Review IFC/IFB plans, one-line diagrams, site plans, and spec books for substation scopes tied to solar projects
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for:
  • Foundations, slabs, and structural steel
  • Grounding grids, duct banks, conduit, and cable
  • Control buildings, equipment pads, fencing, and access roads
• Build complete cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and general conditions
• Request, track, and level vendor and subcontractor quotes (transformers, breakers, relays, steel, control building, etc.)
• Identify clarifications, exclusions, and risks, and draft RFIs during the bid phase
• Work with field operations to confirm production rates, means & methods, and constructability
• Develop rough-order-of-magnitude (ROM) budgets as well as detailed hard bids
• Support value engineering options that lower cost without sacrificing quality or safety
• Assist with schedule-based pricing, phasing, and cash flow considerations where needed
• Help transition successful bids to the operations team with a clear handoff package (takeoff, assumptions, quotes, and breakdowns)

• 3+ years estimating in substations, T&D, or heavy electrical (renewable, utility, or industrial)
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical, civil, and structural drawings
• Solid understanding of:
  • Grounding and duct bank layouts
  • Equipment foundations and structures
  • Control building and raceway systems
• Comfortable building estimates in Excel and/or estimating software (B2W, Heavy Bid, InEight, or similar – any is fine)
• Familiar with NEC/NESC, utility standards, and typical renewable EPC requirements (a plus)
• Strong math, organization, and follow-up skills – you don’t lose quotes or miss scope
• Able to communicate clearly with project managers, field superintendents, vendors, and clients
• Bonus:
  • Experience with solar farm civil/site work
  • Experience working with EPC contractors on utility-scale renewable projects

• A deep understanding of the equipment (circuit breakers, transformers, control systems, etc.), materials, and the civil, structural, and electrical construction processes.
• The ability to read, interpret, and perform quantity take-offs from complex engineering drawings, technical specifications, and design documents
• Familiarity with local utility requirements, industry standards, and relevant electrical codes.
• Competence in estimating software (e.g., B2W, HCSS Heavy Bid, Accubid, Hard Dollar), takeoff tools (Bluebeam, AutoCAD), and standard office software (advanced Excel)
• The ability to evaluate site-specific conditions, geotechnical reports, and potential environmental/regulatory impacts (e.g., urban vs. rural considerations) that could affect cost and timelines
• Knowledge of labor rates, material costs, supplier pricing trends, and different contract pricing structures (fixed price, time & material, etc.).
• Strong written and oral communication skills for coordinating with engineers, project managers, clients, and subcontractors, and for presenting proposals clearly.
• Skill in soliciting, evaluating, and negotiating bids and proposals from vendors and subcontractors.
• The ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team (engineering, procurement, operations, etc.) is essential for gathering necessary input and ensuring alignment.