Substation Estimator

The Substation Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical substation construction projects. This position focuses primarily on above-grade substation construction activities including structural steel, equipment installation, bus work, protection and controls, cable installation, and commissioning support. The ideal candidate is either a former estimator or a construction professional with hands‑on substation experience who understands how substations are built in the field and can develop estimates based on real‑world construction methods, labor productivity, and installation sequencing. Key Responsibilities Prepare conceptual, budgetary, and bid-level estimates for transmission and distribution substation projects. Review engineering drawings, specifications, equipment data sheets, and customer requirements. Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for: Structural steel Power transformers Circuit breakers Disconnect switches Instrument transformers Rigid and strain bus systems Control houses Relay and control panels Above-grade conduit systems Cable tray systems Power, control, and fiber optic cable installation Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost estimates. Build estimates based on actual construction sequencing and field productivity. Evaluate crane requirements, equipment setting plans, outage restrictions, and constructability considerations. Solicit and analyze vendor and subcontractor quotations. Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions. Support proposal development and bid review meetings. Coordinate with project management and field operations teams during project turnover. Maintain estimating databases, labor productivity rates, and historical cost records. Qualifications 2+ years of experience in substation estimating, project management, field supervision, project engineering, or substation construction. Experience as a Substation Estimator, Assistant Estimator, Project Engineer, Superintendent, General Foreman, Foreman, or Project Manager preferred. Knowledge of transmission and distribution substations ranging from 12kV through 500kV. Understanding of electrical substation construction methods and installation sequencing. Ability to read and interpret: One-line diagrams Physical arrangement drawings Equipment layouts Structural drawings Protection and control drawings Construction details and specifications Experience developing labor-driven estimates and construction work plans. Strong understanding of crew composition, equipment utilization, and productivity tracking. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Construction Management, Engineering, or related degree preferred but not required. Preferred Experience Former estimator with experience pricing power delivery, utility, or EPC projects. Hands‑on field experience constructing substations. Experience with utility, renewable energy, or industrial power clients. Knowledge of utility standards and construction specifications. Experience supporting project pursuits from estimate development through project award. Technical Knowledge Structural steel erection Transformer installation and assembly Circuit breaker installation Disconnect switch installation Bus work installation Protection and control systems Relay panel installation Cable tray installation Cable pulling and terminations Fiber optic and communication systems Equipment testing and commissioning support Outage planning and execution Crane and rigging operations Energization and turnover activities Ideal Candidate The successful candidate understands how substations are physically constructed and can accurately translate that knowledge into a competitive estimate. They understand labor requirements, installation sequencing, equipment needs, outage constraints, and construction execution strategies, and can develop estimates that reflect real-world field conditions and project delivery requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr LVI Associates