Electrical Estimator

Quanta Power Solutions, LLC•Hoover, AL

About The Position

The Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Estimator is a critical member of our Preconstruction group, responsible for developing detailed and accurate cost estimates for the electrical and instrumentation scopes of EPC power generation and energy infrastructure projects. E&I represents one of the most technically complex and highest-value scopes on a power plant, encompassing everything from generator step-up transformers and high-voltage switchgear to plant-wide instrumentation, distributed control systems, and protection and control schemes. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of power generation electrical systems and I&C architecture, can accurately quantify cable, conduit, raceways, equipment, and instrumentation from single-line diagrams, electrical equipment lists, and I&C drawings, and understands how those systems drive cost, schedule, and labor in a large-scale EPC environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field OR equivalent experience in electrical construction, the trades, or EPC project management
5-10 years of experience estimating electrical and instrumentation scopes on power generation, industrial, or large-scale EPC infrastructure projects
Demonstrated knowledge of power generation E&I systems including high-voltage and medium-voltage distribution, switchgear, transformers, MCCs, cable systems, instrumentation, and DCS/control architecture
Proficiency with estimating and project software: InEight, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel
Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build, manage, and audit complex, multi-discipline cost models
Ability to interpret single-line diagrams, electrical drawings, cable schedules, I&C drawings, instrument indexes, and EPC contract documents
Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating electrical distribution, instrumentation, controls, and related installation activities on power generation or heavy industrial EPC projects
Direct experience on combined cycle, simple cycle, renewable energy (solar, wind), or battery energy storage (BESS) projects
Familiarity with DCS/PLC platform pricing, I&C engineering deliverables, and the relationship between instrumentation design maturity and estimate confidence
Experience developing fully integrated EPC cost models spanning engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
Knowledge of project controls principles, schedule-driven cost modeling, and earned value management (EVM)
Experience with pre-FEED, FEED, and IFC-level estimating phases on large capital projects

Responsibilities

Develop detailed cost estimates for electrical equipment and systems including generator step-up transformers (GSU), high-voltage and medium-voltage switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery systems, and station service equipment
Perform quantity takeoffs for medium-voltage and low-voltage cable, conduit, cable tray, bus duct, raceways, grounding systems, and lightning protection from single-line diagrams, electrical drawings, cable schedules, and equipment layouts
Develop estimates for instrumentation and controls scopes including field instruments, analyzers, flow meters, pressure and temperature transmitters, control valves, DCS/PLC hardware, field junction boxes, marshalling panels, and associated wiring and installation activities
Estimate fire and gas detection systems, plant communication systems, security and access control, and auxiliary electrical systems supporting power plant operations
Evaluate craft labor productivity, electrical installation sequences, termination labor, and construction methodologies specific to power plant E&I environments
Produce estimates across all phases from ROM and conceptual through Class 2/1 detailed design, scaled appropriately to available engineering deliverables
Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and project management disciplines to validate estimating assumptions, constructability, and project execution strategies
Interface with electrical equipment vendors, I&C suppliers, and electrical operating units to solicit, scope, and evaluate quotations and bids for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness
Participate in estimate review sessions, risk workshops, bid strategy meetings, and client-facing presentations, clearly communicating scope basis, cost drivers, and key assumptions
Partner with project controls to support budget development, schedule integration, and cost tracking on awarded projects
Incorporate risk registers, contingency analysis, escalation factors, indirect costs, equipment installation allowances, and project-specific variables into fully loaded EPC cost estimates
Utilize InEight, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Bluebeam, and Excel-based cost models to develop, manage, and present comprehensive estimates
Maintain and continuously improve historical cost databases, unit rate benchmarks, equipment pricing libraries, and labor productivity factors specific to power generation E&I construction
Support proposal development, owner's engineer reviews, and preconstruction planning for both pursuit and awarded projects
Contribute to alternative scope approaches and value engineering opportunities that improve estimate competitiveness
Conduct or support site visits, pre-bid walkthroughs, and customer meetings as needed