Principal Project Controls Estimator

ComEd•Oakbrook Terrace, IL

About The Position

We're powering a cleaner, brighter future. Exelon is leading the energy transformation, and we're calling all problem solvers, innovators, community builders and change makers. Work with us to deliver solutions that make our diverse cities and communities stronger, healthier and more resilient. We're powered by purpose-driven people like you who believe in being inclusive and creative, and value safety, innovation, integrity and community service. We are a Fortune 200 company, 20,000 colleagues strong serving more than 10.7 million customers at six energy companies -- Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco). We're committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive. Our employee experience is grounded in four tenets that guide how we support our people: purposeful careers, growth opportunities, community impact, and support to thrive. In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we elevate diverse voices, fresh perspectives and bold thinking. And since we know transforming the future of energy is hard work, we provide competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career. Are you in? Primary Purpose The Principal Project Cost Estimator is responsible for overseeing the estimation process, ensuring the accuracy and rigor of cost estimates, mentoring less experienced estimators, and serving as a trusted advisor to both project management teams and executive leadership. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, ensuring that complex projects are both financially viable and delivered on budget. Position may be required to work extended hours for coverage during storms or other energy delivery emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Economics, Project Management or other relevant technical field and 7-10 years of industry/related experience. Or in lieu of bachelor's degree, 9-12 years of relevant industry/related experience.
Excellent analytical skills: demonstrated financial/quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
Demonstrated ability to efficiently manage large capital construction portfolios
Ability to frame ambiguous issues and structure appropriate analysis
Demonstrated ability to apply strategic and critical thinking to problem solving.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work productively with diverse teams.
Solid written and oral communication skills
Ability to translate analysis into key messages and develop story line associated with project analysis
Ability to work independently to advance assignments and developing ability to drive efforts to completion
Advanced skills in estimating development, and variance analysis
Knowledge of or experience with estimating software
Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, for executive dashboards and performance tracking

Nice To Haves

Prior project estimating experience in electric / gas transmission, distribution, and substation industry.
Professional estimating certification (AACEI, ASPE, CEP or SCEA) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
Experience with Estimating, Cost Analysis, Engineering, project Management, and Construction Management.

Responsibilities

Lead the estimation process for complex and high-dollar transmission, substation and distribution projects, including PJM projects for all phases of projects in WBS format with the required assumptions to support current and LRP budget.
Review project plans, diagrams, and specifications to develop comprehensive understanding of project requirements.
Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define project scope and identify deliverables and milestones and facilitate estimate challenge meetings.
Develop detailed cost breakdown structures and determine the accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor requirements needed and allocate appropriate costs to the project estimate.
Perform detailed cost modeling and variance analysis.
Utilize industry standard and propriety cost models, databases, and estimation tools to forecast or estimate the overall project costs.
Conduct ongoing market research to stay current on trends in materials, labor, materials and equipment pricing.
Compare estimates against historical data, industry benchmarks, and similar projects to validate cost assumptions.
Identify potential risks and uncertainties and incorporate contingencies into cost estimates.
Evaluate and implement changes that reduce errors related to estimate versus actual cost.
Review and validate estimates for quality assurance.
As directed by senior manager, peer review the cost estimates of team members to ensure thoroughness, accuracy, and compliance with company standards and project expectations.
Analyze past project costs and outcomes, incorporating lessons learned to refine estimation practices.
Establish and help enforce protocols for quality assurance throughout the estimation process.
Support training and onboarding of new hires on estimation processes and steps.
Serve as a mentor to junior estimators, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
Develop and apply estimating methods that support ongoing improvement in project cost estimation through analysis of data and identification of trends.
Update and maintain project estimating documentation to reflect.
Ensure project estimates comply with applicable industry standards, management models, and other contractual requirements.
Provide support for cost estimate documentation for internal or external audits as well as any regulatory requests.
Regularly interacts with key managers and executives, delivering written and oral presentations on estimate data, risks, and strategies.
Collaborates with the Project Controls Manager, while providing technical leadership to Senior and Project Control Estimators.
Prepare for and facilitate contractor estimate (or bid) challenge meetings.
Prepare side by side analysis of estimates upon request to provide lessons learned, variance analysis and to generate parametric values.
Oversee estimating software upgrades and maintenance including labor rate updates.
Participate in job walk-downs in the field.
Collaborate with other OpCo's to align estimates where applicable and implement best practices.

Benefits

Annual salary will vary based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $109,600.00/Yr. – $150,700.00/Yr.
Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 20%
401(k) match and annual company contribution
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
Referral bonus program
And much more
Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.