Substation Estimator

Irby Construction Company•Lockhart, TX

About The Position

The Substation Estimator develops accurate, competitive cost estimates and bid proposals for electrical substation construction, expansion, and upgrade projects. The role evaluates drawings, specifications, material requirements, construction methods, labor and equipment needs, subcontractor quotations, and schedule constraints to support project pursuits. The estimator collaborates with estimating leadership, engineering, procurement, project management, and field operations to produce complete, well-supported estimates for utility clients. The position is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to substation project sites for pre-bid meetings and site assessments. The company describes an inclusive, family-oriented culture, career-growth pathways, and the resources and stability of Quanta Services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
At least 3 years of direct substation construction estimating experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with estimating or takeoff software.
Ability to interpret substation electrical and civil drawings, specifications, material lists, and construction scopes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to coordinate with vendors, subcontractors, and project teams.
Accuracy, organization, independent judgment, and ability to manage multiple estimates under bid deadlines.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
Ability to navigate construction sites safely when visiting field locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating utility substation greenfield, brownfield, expansion, or retrofit projects.
Knowledge of substation equipment, foundations, grounding, buswork, conduit, cable, and construction sequencing.
Familiarity with utility client standards, outage coordination, and transmission and distribution interfaces.
Experience with Bluebeam, estimating databases, or comparable tools.
Professional estimating certification, such as AACE or ASPE.

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for greenfield and brownfield substation construction, expansions, and upgrades.
Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates for competitive bids and negotiated proposals.
Review electrical and civil drawings, one-line diagrams, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents to identify requirements and exclusions.
Maintain estimate files, takeoff worksheets, bid tabs, revisions, assumptions, and supporting documentation.
Coordinate with project managers, engineers, procurement, and field operations to validate quantities, productivity, and construction approaches.
Analyze proposal contracts, specifications, KMZ files, bills of material, equipment lists, submittals, and drawings for substation scope.
Evaluate construction risks, outage and energization constraints, schedules, crew requirements, equipment needs, and site conditions.
Prepare and review bid clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and proposal submittals for compliance with client requirements.
Develop pricing for civil foundations, structural steel, grounding, conduit, cable, buswork, transformers, breakers, switchgear, and associated installations.
Solicit, evaluate, and level supplier and subcontractor quotations; verify scope coverage, lead times, and pricing assumptions.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, estimate reviews, and bid handoffs as required.
Support project cost forecasts, value engineering, historical cost analysis, and continuous improvement of estimating methods.

Benefits

Multiple BCBS medical plan options, with in-network preventive care covered at no cost and access to virtual care.
Prescription drug coverage with medical plans.
Dental coverage, including preventive care and orthodontia options.
Vision coverage with annual exams and frame allowances.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options, including Healthcare FSA, Limited Purpose FSA, and Dependent Care FSA.
401(k) retirement plan with immediate eligibility and vesting, and a company match of up to 4.5%.
Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, optional supplemental life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential mental health, financial, family, and wellbeing support at no cost to employees and their household.
Optional accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, home/auto insurance, and long-term care coverage.
Employee discounts and participation in Quanta Cares, a disaster relief fund supporting employees and families.