Generation Development Project Estimator
About The Position
The Generation Development Project Estimator creates and manages cost estimates for new power generation projects and develops and maintains estimating tools, such as complex spreadsheets and commercial project management platforms. The role maintains databases of historical cost information and supports project managers in estimating new billion-dollar-class projects. Project types may include renewable, thermal, and emerging energy technology power plants. Estimating covers whole-project development costs and payment schedules for major equipment contracts, EPC and construction services, interconnection, land and permitting, consultants, indirect and owner’s costs, and contingencies. The role prepares total estimate rollups and cash flows integrated with the project master schedule, and works with development project managers to create quantitative risk registers and risk-weighted contingency estimates. Detailed construction and material takeoff estimates are not required, though the estimator may review estimates from third-party EPCs or construction contractors. The position collaborates with development project managers, schedulers, supply chain, vendor representatives, and Generation Development leadership to identify requirements, evaluate alternatives, and implement best practices. It supports the development of confident, high-accuracy competitive bids for new power generation projects. The role also provides system administration and support for project management applications, including training, launches, change management, troubleshooting, user access, compliance, reporting, and data quality. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model; many roles are expected onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday, though expectations vary by role, team, and business needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or equivalent relevant experience with knowledge of heavy construction and/or utility project planning, scheduling, and cost estimating techniques.
- At least five years of related experience, including detailed knowledge of project planning, cost estimating, and scheduling methods and practices.
- Proficient to expert in standard server software applications, such as email and Microsoft Office applications.
- Proficiency with AACE cost estimating standards and practices.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in project cost estimating for heavy industrial construction projects; utility experience is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with scheduling tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
- Proficiency with commercial project management platforms, such as InEight.
Responsibilities
- Create and manage cost estimates for new power generation projects, including project cost rollups and cash flows integrated with the master schedule.
- Develop and maintain estimating tools and databases of prior cost information.
- Estimate whole-project development costs and payment schedules for equipment, EPC and construction services, interconnection, land and permitting, consultants, indirect and owner’s costs, and contingencies.
- Work with development project managers to develop quantitative risk registers and risk-weighted contingency estimates.
- Review estimates provided by third-party EPCs or construction contractors when needed.
- Support optimal performance of project management systems and serve as a business-area resource in project management application meetings and standard-practice initiatives.
- Administer department project management applications, including user access, IDs, passwords, roles, and views; maintain compliance with software licensing requirements.
- Manage project management application launches, training plans and execution, continuous improvement, and change management.
- Develop quantitative metrics to measure application accessibility, reliability, ease of use, and actual use.
- Perform user acceptance testing for software enhancements; troubleshoot system and user problems and escalate issues to IT personnel as appropriate.
- Develop policies, procedures, guidelines, tool-box elements, and report templates related to project management applications.
- Provide quality assurance and control for data integrity, including use of standard work breakdown structures and project template standards.
- Collaborate with project managers, schedulers, supply chain, vendor representatives, application end users, business unit leadership, and corporate stakeholders.
- Maintain knowledge of innovative project management, scheduling, and cost controls techniques.
Benefits
- Annual incentive program
- Medical/pharmacy plan
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Dependent care flexible spending account
- Health care flexible spending account
- Health savings account, if enrolled in an eligible health plan
- Limited-purpose flexible spending account, if enrolled in an eligible health plan and HSA
- Transportation reimbursement account
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Employee assistance program
- Fitness center reimbursement, if enrolled in an eligible health plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Transit programs
- Employee recognition program
- Pension
- 401(k) plan
- Paid time off
- Holidays
- Volunteer paid time off
- Parental leave
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
