Project Cost Estimator (Intermediate, Senior, or Principal)

ITC Holdings•Cedar Rapids, IA

30d

About The Position

This role involves developing and managing project cost estimates for transmission line and substation projects. The position requires a strong understanding of construction costs, including labor, equipment, and materials, as well as project management and controls processes. The role offers opportunities for growth from an Intermediate level to Senior or Principal, with increasing responsibility for complex projects, strategic estimating, and mentoring junior staff.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education.
Intermediate: Minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
Senior: Minimum of six (6) years of related experience.
Principal: Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of electrical utilities cost estimating depending on the level of the position.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of construction project cash flow forecasting depending on the level of the position.
Strong understanding of project management and project controls processes, including construction scheduling, cost estimating, and cash flow forecasting.
Sound analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills.
Effective communication, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside of ITC.
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
Manages multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
Learns and uses job-specific software.
Authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.

Nice To Haves

Possesses electrical and civil Engineering experience/knowledge.
Possesses Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience with Microsoft Power BI.

Responsibilities

Develops project cost estimates for projects of moderate to high complexity.
Identifies cost risks, scope gaps, and estimating inconsistencies.
Develops construction cost estimates by evaluating project plans, specifications, drawings, quantities, labor, equipment, and material costs.
Schedules and leads estimate reviews with stakeholders.
Provides expert judgment of costs to support competitive bid projects.
Assists with the development and maintenance of estimating templates, tools, and databases.
Provides pre-construction support and technical expertise.
Reviews and evaluates subcontractor quotes.
Interfaces with internal groups to resolve inconsistencies in cost estimating data.
Conducts field visits as required.
Attends pre- and post-bid meetings and presents information related to cost estimates.
Transfers completed estimates and bid documents to the Project Management team.
Supports the development and maintenance of internal cost estimating metrics.
Participates in Capital Committee meetings to explain and justify project costs.
Performs advanced estimate risk analysis, contingency modeling, and estimate validation.
Develops and enhances estimating methodologies, standards, and cost models.
Analyzes historical cost data, market trends, labor productivity factors, and escalation impacts.
Serves as the estimating subject matter expert (SME).
Resolves complex estimating issues.
Facilitates estimate review workshops and challenge sessions.
Provides technical oversight and quality assurance of estimates prepared by junior estimators.
Prepares and presents estimate assumptions, risks, and recommendations.
Mentors and trains estimators.
Supports process improvement initiatives.
Leads estimating strategy for complex, high-value, or high-risk capital projects and programs.
Establishes and enhances cost estimating processes, governance practices, and organizational capabilities.
Develops enterprise-level estimating frameworks, benchmarking programs, and performance metrics.
Leads the development of enterprise estimating frameworks, automation initiatives, data governance practices, and benchmarking programs.
Leads cross-functional efforts to improve estimating maturity, data quality, forecasting capability, and cost management integration.
Evaluates industry trends, market intelligence, labor conditions, material pricing, and emerging technologies.
Represents ITC in industry working groups, benchmarking studies, and professional estimating organizations.
Leads independent estimate reviews and estimate audits.
Provides expert testimony, technical support, and negotiation assistance.
Coaches and develops estimators across all levels.
Identifies strategic opportunities to improve estimate accuracy, reduce project risk, and optimize capital investment decisions.
Drives implementation and continuous improvement of estimating tools, systems, digital solutions, and data governance practices.