Electrical Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction (Anticipated Opening)

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world. Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Electrical Cost Estimator to support the delivery of large-scale, mission‑critical data center projects. This role is integral to the commercial planning and execution of highly technical facilities where electrical infrastructure represents a significant portion of overall project cost and risk. The Electrical Cost Estimator will be responsible for preparing detailed electrical estimates for hyperscale data center projects, including high‑capacity power distribution, backup generation, and critical electrical systems. Working closely with engineers, contractors, and internal commercial teams, this role supports cost certainty, value optimization, and informed decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle. Candidates for this role must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Remote work is permitted only from within the United States; candidates located outside the U.S. cannot be considered for remote employment. Preference will be given to candidates based in Pacific or Central U.S. time zones.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
3–5+ years of experience in electrical estimating.
Solid technical knowledge of power distribution systems, backup generation, UPS systems, electrical codes, and labor productivity.
Proficiency in estimating and takeoff tools such as Accubid, ConEst, McCormick, Bluebeam, or similar platforms; comfort working with BIM‑based information.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for data center, mission‑critical, or large‑scale infrastructure projects experience.
Experience estimating high‑density power or hyperscale facilities is highly desirable.
Preference will be given to candidates based in Pacific or Central U.S. time zones.

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed electrical cost estimates for data center projects, including medium‑ and low‑voltage distribution, UPS systems, generators, switchgear, busway, grounding, and lighting.
Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and BIM models, including conduit, cable, busway systems, switchgear, transformers, generators, and associated infrastructure.
Develop accurate labor, material, and equipment pricing models aligned with project budgets, delivery strategies, and market conditions.
Maintain historical cost data, benchmarking tools, and estimating assumptions to support future projects.
Review and analyze electrical contractor and subcontractor bids, identifying scope gaps, cost risks, and value improvement opportunities.
Support value engineering and design optioneering, assessing alternative materials, system layouts, and installation methods while maintaining redundancy and performance requirements.
Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to inform electrical system decisions based on cost, constructability, schedule, and procurement impacts.
Identify and assess risks related to long‑lead electrical equipment, labor availability, and market volatility.
Account for regional cost variations across U.S. markets, including labor rates, logistics, permitting requirements, and utility infrastructure impacts.
Support estimating for high‑capacity power infrastructure, including substations, utility tie‑ins, and campus‑wide electrical distribution.
Contribute to standardized data center designs and repeatable delivery models to improve cost predictability and speed to market.
Ensure electrical estimates align with applicable codes, safety standards, sustainability objectives, and energy efficiency requirements.
Prepare clear, well‑documented estimating deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in cost reviews, procurement discussions, and commercial strategy sessions.
Support change management by evaluating electrical scope changes and associated cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
Provide estimating handover documentation to construction teams to support execution consistency.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.