Estimator - Transmission and Substation

Job Description

Title: Estimator

Reports To: Director, Project Management & Estimating

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Roseville, CA office or remote

Salary: $100,000 - $190,000 DOE + bonus

Benefits: Generous Health, Dental, 401k, Paid Time Off

Position Summary

TW Powerline is an established electrical utility contractor specializing in high-voltage transmission and substation construction. We provide comprehensive EPC construction services for utility, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects, with a focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

As we continue to grow, we are adding an experienced Estimator to support an active bidding pipeline and grow project backlog. This position is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for high-voltage transmission line and substation construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of electrical utility construction methods, material requirements, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and project execution. The Estimator will work closely with project management, field operations, engineering, vendors, and subcontractors to develop estimates that align with project requirements and company profitability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Development

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• Prepare detailed cost estimates for transmission line and substation construction projects, including new construction, expansions, upgrades, and rebuilds.
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• Review engineering drawings, specifications, bid documents, and contracts to identify project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
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• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted work.
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• Develop labor productivity assumptions, crew compositions, equipment requirements, and construction durations.
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• Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
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• Prepare comprehensive estimates covering direct costs, indirect costs, contingency, overhead, and profit.
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• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value engineering.
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• Develop bid clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and assumptions.
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• Assist in preparing and submitting competitive proposals to utility, renewable energy, and EPC clients.
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Project Handoff & Support

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• Participate in bid reviews and project handoff meetings with project management and field operations. Provide detailed estimate breakdowns, budgets, assumptions, and identified risks to the project team.
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• Support project managers with change order pricing and additional scope estimates.
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• Compare estimated costs against actual project performance to improve estimating accuracy.
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• Maintain historical cost databases, production rates, vendor pricing, and estimating templates.
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• Assist with developing and improving company estimating standards and procedures.
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Required Qualifications

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• 3–5+ years of estimating or relevant field/project experience in electrical, utility, transmission, or substation construction.
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• Strong understanding of transmission line and substation construction practices.
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• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
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• Experience performing detailed material quantity takeoffs and developing labor and equipment estimates.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
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• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
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• Capacity to manage up to 5 bids simultaneously
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
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• Field construction, project management, or superintendent experience.
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• Experience with project scheduling software and construction cost tracking systems.
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Performance Expectations

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• Deliver accurate, complete, and competitive estimates on schedule.
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• Minimize scope omissions and estimating errors.
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• Maintain consistent estimating methods and documentation.
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• Support successful project handoffs and budget development.
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• Continuously improve estimating accuracy using actual project cost data.
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