Utility Estimator

Boutique firm delivering big- utility expertise with a personal, agile culture.

Lead high- impact T&D estimates with senior support and real project ownership.

About Our Client

A boutique, high-caliber engineering and infrastructure partner, this firm delivers utility-grade technical excellence with the responsiveness and personal touch of a close-knit team. Known for its deep expertise in transmission, substation, and distribution projects, the company pairs senior multidisciplinary talent with an agile, hands-on approach-offering Fortune-500-level capability in a smaller, relationship-driven environment. Utilities rely on the firm for precise engineering, owner's-engineer support, and critical project execution delivered with unmatched attention, transparency, and care.

Job Description

Support and contribute to the development of Phase 1, 2, and 3 project cost estimates in WBS format with all required assumptions that support development of current and LRP budgets. Prepare standard WBS estimates and assumptions with documentation of confidence factors ranging from study to construction phases of project.

Conduct modeling, forecasting, trending, variance analysis, and other estimate-related financial and implementation analysis. Track, maintain, analyze and provide current estimating information on scorecard or key performance indicators (KPIs). Prepare, update and maintain standard material and labor unit costs to support estimate creation and database updates.

Develop unit cost and parametric estimate range for standard scope of work. Continuously analyze and update parametric values reflecting current trends and costs.

Update estimates for each phase approval with current documentation and meeting information. Conduct estimate peer reviews prior to estimate issuance. Perform engineering drawing reviews, general analysis and prepare reports to support business operations.

Work with Project Managers to ensure that estimates are properly understood, challenged and reviewed. Prepare for and participate in estimate challenge meetings with all stakeholders (Planning, Engineering, Project Manager, Construction Manager, etc.) to ensure that all stakeholders have had an opportunity to provide critical feedback.

Prepare for and participate in contractor estimate (or bid) challenge meetings. Prepare side by side analysis of estimates upon request to provide lessons learned and to generate parametric values.

Job Scope

This is an individual contributor position that works under general supervision and frequently performs non-routine work. This position is expected to resolve most questions and problems through interaction with internal and/or external stakeholders and staff across the organization and refers more complex issues to Sr. Project Controls Estimator.

May require working extended hours and/or shift work to support business operations.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

Minimum Qualifications

Academic/Formal Training: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or Technical Field.

Job Related/Experience: 2-4 years related experience, or in lieu of Bachelor's degree, a minimum of 3-6 years relevant experience is required.

Specialized Skills, Knowledge, License Requirements/Registrations, Etc.:

Ability to build a high level or detailed estimate from a Project Diagram, detailed design, or verbal Scope of Work.

Ability to effectively interface with all levels of management.

Ability to facilitate project meetings with all stakeholders in office or field environment to develop a project estimate.

Strong understanding of applicable standards, methods, processes and practices, business fundamentals, and performance metrics in the electric and gas, distribution, transmission, and substation areas.

Strong understanding of design drawings and detailed engineering and construction prints. The ability to calculate job requirements from design documents, including quantities, resource hours, duration, limitations, etc.

General proficiency in standard software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project), specialized business technologies and applications (e.g., workforce management, project management, Asset Suite 8, Brio, CIS, EPS, Business Objects, SAP planning, business modeling, forecasting, work management, outage management) to retrieve and analyze data in support of business needs. Expert understanding and ability in Excel, good understanding of WinEst (ComEd/PECO) and the estimating component of Asset Suite 8.

Ability to provide detailed analysis and apply managerial accounting concepts, customer intelligence gathering, forecasting, staff planning, scheduling, analytical and statistical problem solving, financial, accounting, business and budget analysis.

Advanced analytical skills for project evaluation including analysis of projects with economic, financial, risk and decision analysis. Ability to quickly estimate several scenarios to determine least cost technical solution.

Customer driven with excellent oral and written communications skills and general analytical, problem solving and project management skills. Strong knowledge of the practices, procedures and principles of performance analysis (trending, root cause and gap analysis) benchmarking and audit compliance.

Ability to analyze organizational data and problems, interpret and recommend alternative courses of action, and implement intervention strategies to attain performance targets.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with some relevant post-undergraduate coursework.

2-4 years estimating experience in electric / gas transmission, distribution, and substation industry.

Previous Utility or Construction projects estimating experience is a strong plus.

Experience using estimating software such as InEight Estimate, WinEst, Accubid, etc.

What's on Offer

Hourly pay rate ranging from $45 to $60/hr+, based on qualifications and experience.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits offered.

Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful construction projects within the business services industry.

Collaborative and supportive work environment in Columbus.

Temporary with potential to convert to a permanent position for professional development and networking opportunities.

Contact

Jackson Edwards

Quote job ref

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