Senior Cost Estimator

Job Opportunity

Opportunity to work on large-scale transmission and grid modernization projects. Long-term growth potential and collaborative leadership team.

About Our Client

Our client is a nationally recognized engineering consulting organization known for supporting complex power delivery and utility infrastructure projects across the country. They combine the technical depth and project sophistication of large industry-leading engineering firms with the agility, collaboration, and employee-focused culture of a growing organization. Their team supports major electric utility clients across transmission, substation, and grid modernization initiatives, with a strong reputation for technical excellence, stability, and long-term client relationships.

Job Description

Our client is seeking a motivated professional capable of supporting multiple functions within project management, including cost estimating, project engineering, scheduling, and project controls. This position will support large-scale infrastructure and utility-related projects from early conceptual planning through construction execution.

• Prepare detailed capital cost estimates using company tools, databases, and historical project data
• Perform material quantity take-offs, labor pricing, and coordinate with vendors to obtain equipment and material pricing
• Develop conceptual, ROM, fair-cost, and construction-level estimates
• Apply appropriate productivity factors, escalation, and markups to estimates
• Coordinate schedules and information flow with engineering and project teams to ensure timely estimate completion
• Organize and maintain cost and quantity information within estimating databases
• Prepare cash flow projections, escalation calculations, and estimate basis documentation
• Coordinate with engineering teams to validate quantities, drawings, scope definitions, and equipment lists
• Support development of engineering studies, reports, and equipment lists
• Implement project controls methodologies and project management tools
• Perform CPI/SPI calculations using earned value management principles
• Assist project teams with budget reconciliation, bid comparisons, cost tracking, and variance analysis

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant estimating, project controls, or project engineering experience
• Strong understanding of estimating practices from conceptual design through construction execution
• Experience supporting engineering or construction oversight activities
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build moderately complex spreadsheets and cost models
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Experience with project controls, planning, scheduling, and earned value management principles

Preferred

• Experience within the utility, power delivery, or energy infrastructure industry
• Internship, co-op, or related engineering/project controls experience within engineering or construction environments
• Familiarity with Primavera P6 scheduling software

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 USD annually.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Opportunity to support large-scale grid modernization and utility infrastructure programs
• Strong project backlog and long-term growth potential
• Collaborative and technically focused environment
• Competitive compensation package with bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Flexible work environment depending on project needs
• Career advancement opportunities into technical leadership and project management paths

Job Summary

Sector

Construction

Sub Sector

Construction Planning

Industry

Energy & Natural Resources

Location

Chicago

Contract Type

Permanent

Consultant Name

Cullen Sheridan

Job Reference

JN-052026-7015443

Job Nature

Hybrid working