Lead Cost Estimator - Substation & Transmission

Sargent & Lundy • Amarillo, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator to support transmission line and substation project activities. The role includes cost estimating, project engineering, scheduling, and project controls. It uses a hybrid arrangement combining work from home and office work, and involves approximately 10–25% domestic travel.

The estimator prepares capital cost estimates at multiple project stages, develops estimate bases and cost calculations, coordinates with project teams and engineering, and supports project controls and management. The role also involves authoring and leading engineering equipment lists, studies, and reports, and helping project teams reconcile estimates with budgets, bids, and actual costs.

Requirements

• 12 or more 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 collaboratively in a team setting.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Comfort with approximately 10–25% domestic travel.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the employer does not sponsor work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a similar field.
• Related engineering internship, co-op, or work experience involving project controls, project planning, project scheduling, and earned value performance, preferably in the power industry.
• Familiarity with Primavera P6.
• PMP certification.
• 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 plans.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Back-up daycare.
• FSA and 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