Principal Estimator
Role Summary
The Principal Estimator serves as the senior-most estimating authority within the organization, responsible for leading complex, high‑value estimating efforts across multiple jurisdictions. This role acts as a recognized subject matter expert and may function as the estimating lead for major initiatives, multi‑project portfolios, or competitive commercial proposals.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimating & Oversight
- Develops detailed cost estimates for large‑scale or strategically significant capital projects (typically exceeding $10M).
- Leads the estimate review process for competitive bid opportunities, collaborating closely with proposal and project teams.
- Performs expert-level peer reviews of cost estimates developed internally or by external partners.
- Supports standardization of cost‑estimating templates, methodologies, and documentation across the organization to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Identifies project risks, quantifies cost impacts, and prepares contingency recommendations, coordinating with cross‑functional risk groups as needed.
- Prepares contractor and vendor bid analyses to support sourcing decisions.
- Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of estimating tools, cost databases, and benchmarking processes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large efforts concurrently under tight deadlines in a fast‑moving environment.
- Experience supporting competitive, time‑sensitive proposals requiring strategic cost positioning and resource management.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and market conditions.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Advanced background in commercial and competitive estimating, including RFP response experience.
- Broad industry knowledge related to utility, heavy infrastructure, or power delivery projects.
- Familiarity with transmission, substation, or related power-system engineering, operations, or maintenance practices.
- Ability to build collaborative working relationships and influence stakeholders across teams.
- Understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks impacting major infrastructure projects.
- Proficiency with enterprise project or asset management systems (names redacted).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify technical content for various audiences.
- Expert‑level proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; experience developing or working within formal estimating systems is highly desirable.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, project estimating, construction management, or a related technical field required.
- Concentration in electrical engineering or estimating preferred.
- Advanced degree in Engineering or Business is a plus.
Experience
- Minimum of ten (10) years of technical, operational, estimating, or engineering experience in the utility, construction, or infrastructure sectors.
- At least four (4) years of experience directly related to the responsibilities listed above, with strong preference for transmission or comparable high‑voltage project experience.
Licenses & Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred (state details redacted).
FAQs
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