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Substation Estimator - PR/606200_1786998737

Substation Estimator

Kansas City
Permanent
$100,000 - $180,000 USD a year
Construction
PR/606200_1786998737
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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.

Qualifications

  • 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.

Preferred Experience

  • 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.

Technical Knowledge

Candidates should have working knowledge of:
  • 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

Ideal Candidate

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.

FAQs

Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.

Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.

We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business. 

That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created. 

Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.

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