Substation Estimator

The Substation Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical substation construction projects. This position focuses primarily on above-grade substation construction activities including structural steel, equipment installation, bus work, protection and controls, cable installation, and commissioning support. The ideal candidate is either a former estimator or a construction professional with hands‑on substation experience who understands how substations are built in the field and can develop estimates based on real‑world construction methods, labor productivity, and installation sequencing.

• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, and bid-level estimates for transmission and distribution substation projects.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, equipment data sheets, and customer requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for:
  • Structural steel
  • Power transformers
  • Circuit breakers
  • Disconnect switches
  • Instrument transformers
  • Rigid and strain bus systems
  • Control houses
  • Relay and control panels
  • Above-grade conduit systems
  • Cable tray systems
  • Power, control, and fiber optic cable installation
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Build estimates based on actual construction sequencing and field productivity.
• Evaluate crane requirements, equipment setting plans, outage restrictions, and constructability considerations.
• Solicit and analyze vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions.
• Support proposal development and bid review meetings.
• Coordinate with project management and field operations teams during project turnover.
• Maintain estimating databases, labor productivity rates, and historical cost records.

• 2+ years of experience in substation estimating, project management, field supervision, project engineering, or substation construction.
• Experience as a Substation Estimator, Assistant Estimator, Project Engineer, Superintendent, General Foreman, Foreman, or Project Manager preferred.
• Knowledge of transmission and distribution substations ranging from 12kV through 500kV.
• Understanding of electrical substation construction methods and installation sequencing.
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • One-line diagrams
  • Physical arrangement drawings
  • Equipment layouts
  • Structural drawings
  • Protection and control drawings
  • Construction details and specifications
• Experience developing labor-driven estimates and construction work plans.
• Strong understanding of crew composition, equipment utilization, and productivity tracking.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Construction Management, Engineering, or related degree preferred but not required.

• Former estimator with experience pricing power delivery, utility, or EPC projects.
• Hands‑on field experience constructing substations.
• Experience with utility, renewable energy, or industrial power clients.
• Knowledge of utility standards and construction specifications.
• Experience supporting project pursuits from estimate development through project award.

• Structural steel erection
• Transformer installation and assembly
• Circuit breaker installation
• Disconnect switch installation
• Bus work installation
• Protection and control systems
• Relay panel installation
• Cable tray installation
• Cable pulling and terminations
• Fiber optic and communication systems
• Equipment testing and commissioning support
• Outage planning and execution
• Crane and rigging operations
• Energization and turnover activities

The successful candidate understands how substations are physically constructed and can accurately translate that knowledge into a competitive estimate. They understand labor requirements, installation sequencing, equipment needs, outage constraints, and construction execution strategies, and can develop estimates that reflect real-world field conditions and project delivery requirements.