Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator

The Lead Estimator is a senior member of our Preconstruction group, serving as both a subject matter expert in indirect cost development and a technical leader for multi-discipline estimate teams. This role is responsible for owning the indirect cost estimate on complex EPC power generation projects, including field supervision, temporary facilities, site logistics, construction equipment, startup support, project controls, quality, safety, and administrative services, while simultaneously providing guidance and oversight to discipline estimators across civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical scopes.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience developing and leading EPC estimates for large-scale power generation projects, a strong command of indirect cost drivers and construction execution planning, and the leadership presence to align multi-discipline teams around consistent methodologies, accurate assumptions, and defensible estimate basis documents.

Indirect Cost Estimating & Scope Development

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for indirect project costs including field supervision (construction managers, area superintendents, and foremen), temporary facilities, site logistics, construction equipment, startup and commissioning support, project controls, quality, safety, and administrative services
• Develop staffing plans and man-loading curves for field supervision and support personnel across all phases of power plant construction, from site preparation through mechanical completion and startup
• Estimate temporary facilities scope including construction office trailers, laydown areas, site warehouses, batch plant facilities, temporary utilities, access roads, and site security infrastructure
• Quantify construction equipment requirements and costs including cranes, heavy lift planning, earth-moving equipment, aerial work platforms, and major rigging associated with large-scale power plant equipment installation
• Develop startup and commissioning cost estimates including pre-commissioning labor, owner operator support, vendor technical representatives, and performance testing activities
• Estimate project controls, quality, safety, and administrative costs consistent with project size, complexity, duration, and contractual requirements

Team Leadership & Technical Guidance

• Lead indirect cost estimating efforts and provide technical guidance to discipline estimators across civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical disciplines to promote consistent methodologies, accurate assumptions, and comprehensive project estimates
• Coordinate multi-discipline estimate development, review discipline estimate packages for completeness and alignment with project execution strategy, and identify scope gaps or overlaps across disciplines
• Establish and communicate estimating standards, scope split assumptions, and basis of estimate documentation expectations for each pursuit or project
• Mentor junior and mid-level estimators on power generation construction methods, indirect cost drivers, and EPC estimating best practices

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and project management disciplines to validate estimating assumptions, constructability, and project execution strategies
• Interface with subcontractors, vendors, and operating units to solicit, scope, and evaluate quotations and bids for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness
• Participate in estimate review sessions, risk workshops, bid strategy meetings, and client-facing presentations, clearly communicating scope basis, cost drivers, and key assumptions
• Partner with project controls to support budget development, schedule integration, and cost tracking on awarded projects

Cost Modeling & Tools

• Incorporate risk registers, contingency analysis, escalation factors, indirect costs, and project-specific variables into fully loaded EPC cost estimates
• Utilize InEight, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Bluebeam, and Excel-based cost models to develop, manage, and present comprehensive estimates
• Maintain and continuously improve historical cost databases, indirect cost benchmarks, staffing norms, and project support cost libraries specific to power generation EPC projects

Proposals & Business Development

• Lead or support proposal development, owner's engineer reviews, and preconstruction planning for both pursuit and awarded projects
• Contribute to bid strategy development, go/no-go analysis, and alternative scope or execution approaches that improve estimate competitiveness
• Conduct or support site visits, pre-bid walkthroughs, and customer meetings as needed

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field OR equivalent experience in EPC construction management or project management
• 5-10 years of experience estimating and leading cost development on power generation, industrial, or large-scale EPC infrastructure projects
• Demonstrated experience developing indirect cost estimates including field supervision, temporary facilities, construction equipment, startup, project controls, quality, and safety for large-scale power projects
• Experience leading or coordinating multi-discipline estimate teams and reviewing discipline cost packages for completeness and consistency
• Proficiency with estimating and project software: InEight, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build, manage, and audit complex, multi-discipline cost models
• Ability to interpret project plans, drawings, specifications, and EPC contract documents across multiple disciplines
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to present estimate basis and cost breakdowns to leadership and client stakeholders

Preferred

• Experience estimating construction indirects, field services, and project support costs on power generation or heavy industrial EPC projects
• Direct experience on combined cycle, simple cycle, renewable energy (solar, wind), or battery energy storage (BESS) projects
• Experience supporting fully integrated EPC cost models spanning engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
• Familiarity with project controls principles, schedule-driven cost modeling, staffing plan development, and earned value management (EVM)
• Experience with pre-FEED, FEED, and IFC-level estimating phases on large capital projects
• Prior experience in a field construction or project management role supporting power generation or heavy industrial projects

What You'll Get

• Competitive Compensation
• Weekly Pay
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discount Program

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.