Piping Estimator

Quanta Power Solutions, LLC•Hoover, AL

About The Position

The Piping Estimator is an integral member of our Preconstruction group, responsible for developing detailed, accurate cost estimates for the piping scopes of EPC power generation and industrial construction projects. Piping is one of the largest and most complex cost drivers on a power plant, and this role requires deep knowledge of high-energy steam systems, process piping, BOP piping, fabrication, installation labor, and the technical standards that govern them. The ideal candidate understands how piping systems are designed and built in a power generation environment, can translate P&IDs, isometric drawings, and line lists into precise quantity takeoffs and cost models, and is comfortable working across engineering, procurement, and construction disciplines to validate scope and support competitive EPC proposals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field OR equivalent experience in the piping trades, industrial construction, or EPC project management.
3+ years of experience estimating piping scopes on power generation, industrial, or large-scale EPC infrastructure projects (5-10 years preferred).
Working knowledge of power generation piping systems including high-energy steam, condensate, cooling water, fuel gas, BOP utility piping, and associated technical standards (ASME B31.1, B31.3).
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 P&IDs, isometric drawings, pipe specifications, line lists, IFC drawings, and EPC contract documents.
Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience on combined cycle, simple cycle, renewable energy (solar, wind), or battery energy storage (BESS) projects.
Strong background in industrial piping, process piping, fabrication, and installation estimating.
Experience developing fully integrated EPC cost models spanning engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
Familiarity with piping fabrication strategies, NDE/QC requirements, and specialty piping subcontract scope development.
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

Prepare detailed cost estimates for process piping, high-energy steam piping, BOP piping, and utility piping systems including material, fabrication, installation labor, and specialty items.
Develop quantity takeoffs from P&IDs, isometric drawings, line lists, pipe specifications, and general arrangement drawings to accurately define material and labor scope.
Estimate piping fabrication (shop and field), welding, NDE/inspection requirements, pipe supports and hangers, insulation, heat tracing, and specialty fittings.
Produce estimates across all phases from ROM and conceptual through Class 2/1 detailed design, scaled appropriately to available project information.
Evaluate craft labor productivity, welding rates, construction sequencing, and installation methodologies specific to power plant piping environments.
Develop pricing models using market data, historical benchmarks, vendor quotations, and subcontractor pricing.
Collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and project management disciplines to validate estimating assumptions, constructability, and project execution strategies.
Interface with piping fabricators, specialty suppliers, and mechanical 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, 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, material pricing libraries, and labor productivity factors specific to power generation piping 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.