Senior Cost Estimator

Senior Cost Estimator

This role offers the opportunity to shape cost planning for complex capital projects across the energy and utility sector. You will develop both parametric and detailed estimates that support projects from early conceptual stages through engineering and construction. Working closely with project sponsors and stakeholders, you will translate project scope into accurate, actionable cost information. You will also help strengthen estimating tools, processes, data quality, and enterprise-wide standards.

The position combines hands-on estimating expertise with continuous improvement, quality assurance, and knowledge sharing. You will have a meaningful influence on how project costs are forecast, structured, validated, and ultimately managed. This is a fully remote opportunity with limited travel and regular collaboration across project and client teams.

Accountabilities

• Collaborate with project sponsors and stakeholder groups to understand project objectives, scope, assumptions, and estimating requirements.
• Develop parametric estimates for substation and transmission projects using established estimating tools and methodologies aligned with applicable AACE estimate classification requirements.
• Prepare detailed, assembly-level cost estimates using existing templates and project information, including scopes supported by approximately 30–50% engineering design.
• Review and improve estimating tools to ensure cost information is structured in a clear, usable format that can support project scheduling and cost management activities.
• Analyze estimates versus actual project costs and use findings to refresh, validate, and improve cost data within parametric estimating tools.
• Revise and structure existing cost data to support the development of enterprise estimating systems and collaborate with technical teams on implementation.
• Improve coordination across estimating activities to minimize duplication, clarify ownership, and eliminate gaps or overlaps in project scope.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews of estimates and ensure deliverables meet established standards and methodologies.
• Train estimators, including contracted estimating resources, on updated tools, processes, and estimating practices.
• Contribute to the creation and improvement of standard work instructions to promote consistent project scoping and estimating practices.
• Participate in client and internal meetings as required and communicate estimating assumptions, findings, and recommendations effectively.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives designed to increase the accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and usability of project cost estimating.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional cost estimating experience, preferably involving the development of estimate packages for design and construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience estimating construction projects within the energy utilities sector and/or above- and below-grade civil construction.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of AACE cost engineering practices and the Total Cost Management (TCM) framework.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work effectively with estimating software and structured cost data.
• Experience developing parametric and detailed estimates across different project development stages.
• Strong understanding of cost estimating methodologies, estimate classification, scope development, and estimate QA/QC processes.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to compare estimated and actual costs, identify trends, and translate findings into improved estimating data and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, clients, technical specialists, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to train and mentor other estimators and contribute to standardized procedures and best practices.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple estimating activities while maintaining accuracy and deadlines.
• Familiarity with enterprise estimating systems such as Sage is a plus.
• Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma process improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, with expected travel of less than 10% for onsite activities.

• Fully remote work opportunity available across the United States.
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and…