Senior Electrical Estimator Utilities & Infrastructure

Job Description Job Description Senior Electrical Estimator – Utilities & Infrastructure
Location: Detroit, MI (Hybrid – Tues, Wed, Thurs On-Site | Mon & Fri Remote)
Local Requirement: Candidates must be local to the Detroit, MI area or able to reliably commute to the office three days per week
Pay Rate: $65/hour
Contract: 12-month contract with strong potential for extension or direct hire
Overview Our client is seeking a Senior Electrical Estimator to support large-scale utility and infrastructure projects, including substations, transmission, and distribution (overhead and underground).
This is a hybrid position based in Detroit, requiring regular on-site collaboration with project teams. The role is critical in developing accurate, defensible cost estimates across the full project lifecycle — from early concept through execution.
Key Responsibilities Develop and maintain estimates including ROM, budgetary, unit rate, and detailed estimates
Review engineering designs and scope packages for accuracy and completeness
Validate contractor and engineering estimates, including quantities, labor, and materials
Analyze and challenge bids to ensure scope alignment and cost optimization
Review and evaluate change orders for accuracy and project impact
Build estimate structures aligned to WBS and cost-loaded schedules
Perform cost analysis, benchmarking, risk assessments, and value engineering
Support constructability reviews and claims analysis
Contribute to estimating standards, tools, and continuous improvement initiatives
Collaborate across cross-functional teams and support multiple concurrent projects
Required Qualifications One of the following: High School Diploma or GED + 10+ years of electrical estimating experience
Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related) + 8+ years of experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related) + 6+ years of experience

Strong experience estimating electrical infrastructure projects (utilities, power, or industrial)
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (cost modeling, analysis, and reporting)
Must be based in or near the Detroit area and able to work on-site three days per week
Preferred Qualifications Experience with utility-scale projects (substations, transmission, distribution, renewables)
Background in overhead (OH) and underground (UG) electrical systems
Experience across full project lifecycle (engineering, construction, commissioning)
Familiarity with estimating tools such as On-Screen Takeoff or similar
Additional Requirements Ability to work in industrial or power plant environments (stairs, confined spaces, varying temperatures)
Willingness to travel occasionally for site visits and project walkdowns
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
Proven analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination capabilities
Why This Role High-impact role supporting major utility and infrastructure projects
Competitive pay at $65/hour
Hybrid schedule with consistent on-site collaboration
Strong potential for long-term extension or direct hire
Opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility energy projects

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