Senior T&D Estimator

About the Opportunity

Bring your field knowledge and estimating expertise to a role where your judgment helps shape the work we pursue. UCS is seeking an experienced Senior T&D Estimator to lead estimates for electric utility transmission and distribution projects, influence bid strategy, and collaborate directly with leadership and field operations. We value practical construction experience, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to build competitive estimates that support successful project execution.

Metairie, Louisiana is the preferred location, with hybrid or remote arrangements considered for the right candidate. Occasional travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead estimates for overhead and underground distribution and transmission construction, including new construction, upgrades, rebuilds, and reconductoring.
• Review drawings, specifications, bid documents, utility standards, and contract requirements to establish complete project scopes.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates.
• Build realistic crew configurations, production rates, work plans, and schedules in collaboration with field leadership.
• Account for project conditions such as access limitations, rights-of-way, terrain, outage requirements, energized work, permitting, and restoration.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals, identifying scope gaps, exclusions, and pricing risks.
• Develop clear bid assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and supporting documentation.
• Lead internal estimate reviews and recommend pricing strategies, contingencies, and opportunities to improve competitiveness.
• Prepare complete proposal packages and support customer discussions and bid clarifications.
• Coordinate the handoff of awarded projects to operations, communicating the estimate basis, budget, execution plan, and key risks.
• Compare estimated costs and productivity with actual project results to improve future estimates.
• Maintain estimating databases and support improvements to estimating processes, tools, and standards.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, customer meetings, and company office meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated success independently estimating electric utility transmission and distribution construction.
• Preferably 4 or more years of relevant experience , including substantial responsibility for leading complex bids.
• Strong understanding of T&D construction methods, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and project execution.
• Ability to develop estimates from both detailed construction packages and preliminary scopes.
• Experience evaluating project risks and translating field conditions into realistic costs.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with construction estimating and digital takeoff software.
• Strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple bids under firm deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers, leadership, vendors, and field teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically, including overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both transmission and distribution projects, including self-performed utility construction.
• Previous field operations, project management, or construction supervision experience.
• Experience estimating foundations, access roads, and related civil scopes.
• Familiarity with unit-price, lump-sum, and time-and-material pricing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Work Location and Travel

This position is preferably based out of our Metairie, Louisiana office . Hybrid or remote arrangements may be considered based on experience, demonstrated ability to work independently, and business needs.

All arrangements require occasional travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, customer meetings, and collaboration with company teams. Travel frequency will vary with bidding activity and project requirements.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer.