Electrical Estimator – Grid & Substation Projects

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

The Opportunity

A well-established electrical contracting organization is seeking an experienced Electrical Estimator to join its team supporting complex power and grid infrastructure projects.

This position will play a key role during the pre-construction and bidding process, developing accurate and competitive estimates for electrical construction projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of electrical construction, pricing, materials, and labor, along with experience working with advanced substation and grid technologies.

This is a hands-on estimating opportunity for someone who can analyze technical project documentation, develop detailed pricing, work closely with engineering and project teams, and build strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors.

What You'll Be Doing

Estimating & Pre-Construction

• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and other project documentation to develop a thorough understanding of project scope.

• Prepare detailed estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor services, and other project costs.

• Analyze market conditions, labor requirements, material pricing, and other variables that may affect project cost.

• Develop accurate and competitive pricing while identifying potential risks and cost considerations.

• Track estimating performance and prepare reports related to costs, pricing, and estimate accuracy.

Bid Development

• Collaborate with project and estimating teams to develop complete bid proposals that meet client requirements and project specifications.

• Participate in bid meetings and presentations and explain estimating assumptions, methodology, and pricing.

• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, and ambiguities within project documents and coordinate with engineering and project management teams to resolve them.

• Contribute estimating knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices to strengthen the overall bidding process.

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Solicit pricing from suppliers, subcontractors, and other project partners.

• Review and evaluate quotations to establish competitive and accurate project costs.

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with vendors and subcontractors to obtain timely pricing and project information.

• Stay informed on material availability, labor conditions, and local market factors that may affect project pricing.

Technical & Market Expertise

• Apply practical knowledge of electrical construction methods, materials, installations, and renovation work when developing estimates.

• Support projects involving grid infrastructure, substations, and related electrical systems.

• Utilize knowledge of GIS, STATCOM, and other advanced substation technologies to evaluate project scope and pricing.

• Stay current with applicable construction practices, regulations, and local market conditions.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of electrical estimating experience.

• Proven background estimating electrical construction projects.

• Strong understanding of electrical construction practices, materials, and installation methodologies.

• Experience interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and project schedules.

• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities with exceptional attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office / Microsoft Suite.

• Experience with industry-standard estimating tools such as McCormick and Bluebeam.

• Ability to work effectively with engineering, project management, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet demanding bid deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Practical knowledge of both new construction and renovation projects.

• Team-oriented approach with a high level of initiative and accountability.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience estimating power, utility, substation, or other complex electrical infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with GIS, STATCOM, and advanced substation technologies.

• Knowledge of the local Pittsburgh-area construction market and applicable regulations.

Compensation & Benefits

The organization offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Base salary in the range of $85,000–$115,000, depending on experience and qualifications

• Medical and dental coverage

• 401(k) plan

• Paid holidays and vacation

• Performance/merit-based bonus opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement

• Training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to work on technically sophisticated electrical infrastructure projects while having a direct impact on project profitability and successful execution.

You'll collaborate with experienced engineering, project management, vendors, and construction professionals and have the opportunity to further develop your expertise in estimating for power, grid, and substation projects.

For an experienced electrical estimator looking for greater exposure to complex infrastructure and advanced substation technologies, this is an opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility with an established organization.