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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