Lead Cost Estimator - Substation & Transmission

Sargent & Lundy • Amarillo, TX

4d • $134,546 - $205,557 • Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator to handle cost estimating and related project management activities for transmission line and substation projects. The role includes project engineering, scheduling, and project controls, and is performed in a hybrid arrangement with a mix of work from home and office work. The position involves developing estimates from conceptual design through construction, coordinating with engineering and project teams, and supporting project planning and cost control. Domestic travel of approximately 10–25% is expected.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in utility, construction, engineering, or other relevant work.
• Understanding of estimating functions from conceptual design through the construction phase of a project.
• Experience with engineering or construction oversight.
• Proficiency with Excel and building moderately complex spreadsheets.
• Related engineering work experience that includes project controls, project planning, project scheduling, and earned value performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Comfort with approximately 10–25% domestic travel.
• Sargent & Lundy does not sponsor employees for U.S. work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

• BS in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a similar degree.
• Related engineering internship, co-op, or work experience that includes project controls, project planning, project scheduling, and earned value performance, preferably within the power industry.
• Familiarity with Primavera P6.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed capital cost estimates using company tools, databases, and historical data.
• Perform material quantity take-offs and labor pricing, and work with vendors to obtain material and equipment costs for rough-order-of-magnitude, conceptual, construction, and fair-cost estimates.
• Apply appropriate mark-ups and productivity factors.
• Coordinate information flow and schedules with project team members to complete estimates on time.
• Organize and enter cost and quantity information into existing databases.
• Prepare cash flow, escalation, and interest calculations for estimates.
• Develop Estimate Basis documents.
• Coordinate with engineering to obtain and validate quantities, scope definitions, drawings, and equipment lists.
• Author and lead the development of engineering equipment lists, studies, and reports.
• Implement project controls and project management tools and methodology.
• Perform CPI/SPI calculations using earned value principles.
• Assist project teams in reconciling estimates against budgets, bids, and actual costs, and provide variance explanations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health plans.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Back-up daycare.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
• 401(k).
• Pre-tax commuter account.
• Merit scholarship program.
• Employee discount program.
• Corporate charitable giving program.
• Tuition assistance.
• First professional licensure bonus.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Paid annual personal/sick time.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Eligible employees may participate in a yearly discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED