Principal Cost Estimator, Electric Transmission

The Cost Estimator, will be responsible for developing and managing cost estimates for electric transmission and/or generation projects. This role involves preparing detailed cost estimates, analyzing project costs, and providing cost-related insights to support project planning and execution. The Cost Estimator will work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate and comprehensive cost assessments. A significant focus will be on competitive transmission or generation solicitations, perspective business opportunities; ensuring that cost estimates are competitive and align with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:
Cost Estimation: Develop detailed cost estimates for multiple concurrent electric transmission and generation projects, including new construction, upgrades, and maintenance of power stations, transmission lines, substations and/or converter stations.
Competitive Solicitations: Lead the cost estimation efforts for competitive transmission and generation projects, ensuring that estimates are accurate, competitive, and compliant with solicitation requirements.
Project Analysis: Analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documentation to prepare accurate cost estimates.
Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, financial modeling, supply chain and procurement teams to gather necessary information and ensure alignment on project scope and cost estimates. Work within existing processes to procure resources as needed.
Risk Assessment: Identify potential cost risks and develop mitigation strategies to manage cost uncertainties.
Reporting: Prepare and present cost reports, summaries, and analyses to project teams and senior management.
Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with industry trends, cost estimation methodologies, and best practices to continuously improve the accuracy and efficiency of cost estimation processes.
Cost Database Development: Build and maintain a comprehensive database of cost information for electric transmission projects. Ensure that the database is regularly updated with accurate and relevant cost data, and utilize it to enhance the precision and reliability of cost estimates.
Additional Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

• Prepare accurate and timely construction estimates based on engineering designs, drawings, site visits, contractual agreements, materials, permitting, environmental, construction labor, and equipment. Incorporate solid understanding of the utility construction process into complex estimates.
• Analyze key themes and trends to ensure all factors are properly considered, priced and included in the project estimate.
• Determine understanding of risk associated with large capital projects and the application of contingency. This would include application and development of risk registers, Quantitative Risk Assessments, and/or Monte Carlo Simulations.
• Revise and update the estimating system software to support storage and retrieval of estimating information and enhance efficiency and operability of the system.
• Monitor year-on-year accuracy of estimated costs and challenge business processes in order to ensure the Organization is compliant with applicable regulations and deliver projects on budget. Perform planned versus actual evaluations upon project completions for costs and schedule. Document findings and develop improvement plans based on the analysis.
• Consult and collaborate with vendors, personnel in other departments or engineers to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Challenge existing ways of working and continuously seek ways to do things better in order to drive greater efficiencies within assigned area.
• Work independently to manage schedule and workload in order to meet need dates.

Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in cost estimation for complex projects (transmission and/or generation preferred), with a strong focus on additional commensurate experience in development, construction or operation of large energy infrastructure.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in cost estimation software and tools, such as HeavyBid, Microsoft Excel, and other relevant applications. Experience with platforms like SAP, Oracle, and AutoCAD is highly desirable.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex project data and develop accurate cost estimates.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present cost information clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.
Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail and accuracy in cost estimation and reporting.
Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with high voltage direct current (HVDC), and 345kV up to 765kV HVAC electric transmission projects and estimation.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards for electric transmission projects.
Experience in Monte Carlo, PERT or similar cost sensitivity analysis is highly desirable
Experience working for Engineering, Construction / EPC Firm developing their Cost Estimates for Bids / Proposals would be Highly Desirable.
Knowledge of risk management and cost control techniques.

Work Environment:
This position may require occasional travel to project sites and meetings with stakeholders.
The role involves working in an office environment with standard office equipment.
Operate effectively within a matrix organization, collaborating with various departments and Project Teams. Coordinate with multiple teams and stakeholders to ensure cohesive project execution and alignment with organizational goals.