Lead Preconstruction Estimator

Quanta Power Solutions, LLC•Hoover, AL

About The Position

Quanta Power Solutions is seeking a Lead Estimator to be a senior member of our Preconstruction group, serving as both a subject matter expert in indirect cost development and a technical leader for multi-discipline estimate teams. This role is responsible for owning the indirect cost estimate on complex EPC power generation projects, including field supervision, temporary facilities, site logistics, construction equipment, startup support, project controls, quality, safety, and administrative services, while simultaneously providing guidance and oversight to discipline estimators across civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical scopes. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience developing and leading EPC estimates for large-scale power generation projects, a strong command of indirect cost drivers and construction execution planning, and the leadership presence to align multi-discipline teams around consistent methodologies, accurate assumptions, and defensible estimate basis documents.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field OR equivalent experience in EPC construction management or project management
5-10 years of experience estimating and leading cost development on power generation, industrial, or large-scale EPC infrastructure projects
Demonstrated experience developing indirect cost estimates including field supervision, temporary facilities, construction equipment, startup, project controls, quality, and safety for large-scale power projects
Experience leading or coordinating multi-discipline estimate teams and reviewing discipline cost packages for completeness and consistency
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 project plans, drawings, specifications, and EPC contract documents across multiple disciplines
Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to present estimate basis and cost breakdowns to leadership and client stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating construction indirects, field services, and project support costs 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
Experience supporting fully integrated EPC cost models spanning engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases
Familiarity with project controls principles, schedule-driven cost modeling, staffing plan development, and earned value management (EVM)
Experience with pre-FEED, FEED, and IFC-level estimating phases on large capital projects
Prior experience in a field construction or project management role supporting power generation or heavy industrial projects

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed cost estimates for indirect project costs including field supervision (construction managers, area superintendents, and foremen), temporary facilities, site logistics, construction equipment, startup and commissioning support, project controls, quality, safety, and administrative services
Develop staffing plans and man-loading curves for field supervision and support personnel across all phases of power plant construction, from site preparation through mechanical completion and startup
Estimate temporary facilities scope including construction office trailers, laydown areas, site warehouses, batch plant facilities, temporary utilities, access roads, and site security infrastructure
Quantify construction equipment requirements and costs including cranes, heavy lift planning, earth-moving equipment, aerial work platforms, and major rigging associated with large-scale power plant equipment installation
Develop startup and commissioning cost estimates including pre-commissioning labor, owner operator support, vendor technical representatives, and performance testing activities
Estimate project controls, quality, safety, and administrative costs consistent with project size, complexity, duration, and contractual requirements
Lead indirect cost estimating efforts and provide technical guidance to discipline estimators across civil, structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical disciplines to promote consistent methodologies, accurate assumptions, and comprehensive project estimates
Coordinate multi-discipline estimate development, review discipline estimate packages for completeness and alignment with project execution strategy, and identify scope gaps or overlaps across disciplines
Establish and communicate estimating standards, scope split assumptions, and basis of estimate documentation expectations for each pursuit or project
Mentor junior and mid-level estimators on power generation construction methods, indirect cost drivers, and EPC estimating best practices
Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and project management disciplines to validate estimating assumptions, constructability, and project execution strategies
Interface with subcontractors, vendors, and 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, 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, indirect cost benchmarks, staffing norms, and project support cost libraries specific to power generation EPC projects
Lead or support proposal development, owner's engineer reviews, and preconstruction planning for both pursuit and awarded projects
Contribute to bid strategy development, go/no-go analysis, and alternative scope or execution approaches that improve estimate competitiveness
Conduct or support site visits, pre-bid walkthroughs, and customer meetings as needed