Senior Electrical Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•San Francisco, CA

14h•$100,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Estimator to support cost management and estimating activities on large-scale data center and mission-critical construction projects. The role provides cost planning, estimating, and commercial guidance throughout the project lifecycle for hyperscale and colocation developments. Candidates must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Remote work is permitted only from within the U.S.; candidates outside the U.S. cannot be considered for remote employment. Preference will be given to candidates located in or near San Francisco, California. On-site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs. The position covers electrical estimating and cost management from feasibility and pre-contract planning through post-contract cost control and final account. It includes preparing and presenting estimates, cost plans, reports, and commercial recommendations; supporting procurement; validating pricing; managing changes and forecasts; contributing to value engineering; and working with clients and project partners. The role also includes mentoring junior professionals and supporting client relationship management and business development. SOX control responsibilities may form part of the role and must be followed where applicable. The stated salary range is $100,000–$170,000 USD. Final compensation depends on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. Employees may also be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package. Turner & Townsend describes its workplace as flexible and supportive of work-life balance, and is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment.

Requirements

Extensive experience estimating electrical scopes for data centers, mission-critical facilities, advanced technology, industrial, or large-scale commercial projects.
Strong technical experience across pre-contract, post-contract, and final-account cost management.
Strong understanding of medium-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, substations, switchgear, generators, UPS systems, transformers, busway, and power distribution infrastructure.
Experience preparing conceptual through detailed estimates for large and complex construction projects.
Strong knowledge of contractor means and methods, procurement strategies, and construction delivery models.
Ability to review drawings, specifications, and design documentation to identify scope and pricing risks.
Excellent presentation, verbal, written, and client-facing communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and related estimating software.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Experience supporting value management, value engineering, and lifecycle costing initiatives.
Experience working directly with clients and contributing to business development efforts.
Significant experience in electrical estimating, cost management, quantity surveying, or preconstruction services.
Experience estimating large-scale electrical construction packages and critical power infrastructure.
Must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S.; remote work is permitted only from within the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field preferred.
Data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or industrial project experience strongly preferred.
Professional certifications such as CCP, CEP, CPE, PQS, MRICS, or similar are a plus.
Location in or near San Francisco, California is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed electrical cost estimates and cost plans.
Prepare and present estimate deliverables, cost reports, and commercial recommendations to clients and project teams.
Support feasibility studies, budgeting, cost benchmarking, and business case development for data center projects.
Review drawings, specifications, and vendor information to develop electrical estimates and quantity takeoffs.
Lead procurement activities, including bid package development, contractor prequalification, bid evaluations, bid leveling, and recommendations.
Review and validate subcontractor and vendor pricing for electrical systems and equipment.
Manage post-contract cost control activities, including change management, forecasting, and cost variance analysis.
Produce monthly cost reports and present findings to stakeholders and leadership teams.
Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project objectives.
Collaborate with clients, designers, contractors, and supply chain partners throughout all project phases.
Mentor junior estimators and cost management professionals.
Support client relationship management and business development initiatives.
Adhere to applicable SOX control responsibilities.