Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator

We are seeking a Lead Estimator to support specialized energy initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact power grid and utility projects by providing expert cost estimating services across all phases, from early development through final closeout. As a Lead Estimator, you will work on a diverse portfolio of investment delivery projects, varying in complexity and scale, while collaborating with industry-leading professionals. This is a full-time position, potentially based at the client site, that provides a platform to showcase your expertise, opportunities to contribute to world-class projects, and collaboration with top-tier professional services teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates across all project phases (AACE Class 5 through Class 1).
• Prepare comprehensive estimate plans and basis of estimate documentation.
• Maintain and enhance the estimating database and develop benchmarking models.
• Review, validate, and provide feedback on estimates prepared by others.
• Identify potential issues early and take proactive actions to ensure project success.
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of estimating standards and procedures.
• Recommend strategies to advance technical expertise and best practices.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with multiple client organizations.
• Develop detailed material take-offs to support complex estimating duties with minimal supervision.
• Take leadership in preparing large-scale and complex estimating assignments.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction, Finance or a related field.
• 10+ years of proven experience directly in an estimating environment.
• Ability to develop estimates across all project phases (AACE Class 5 through Class 1).
• Experience in the Utility/Power Industry Estimating.
• Material takeoff experience from engineering drawings.
• Leadership and review experience of other estimators.
• Ability to prepare Basis of Estimate documentation.
• Experience with large capital projects ($10M+ preferred).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certification with AACE, PMI, or CMAA is preferred.
• Experience in Energy, Power Grid, or Utilities sectors preferred.
• Understand conceptual, budget, definitive, and final project estimates.
• Experience with blueprint, project management, estimating software, cost control, commercial construction, pricing, and project budgets.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid work environment, offering flexibility and the potential for collaboration at the client site. The role provides a competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.00 - $96.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Houston, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.