Senior Estimator - Self-Perform Substation – Commission

Job Description

US Residency Requirement:

Applicants must be U.S. residents and hold a valid U.S. work permit.

Description:

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Senior Estimator specializing in self-perform substation projects to join their team in Houston, Texas. This role focuses on developing accurate, detailed estimates for transmission and distribution bids — primarily substations — while ensuring quality, minimizing risk, and supporting strategic project execution.

Responsibilities:

Develop bottoms-up estimates for transmission and distribution bids (mainly substations).

Focus on high-voltage scope over civil and foundation work.

Create estimate schedules to manage workload and ensure timely completion.

Review RFPs, engineering documents, and constructability analyses.

Document quantity take-offs and validate estimate assumptions.

Develop high-level project schedules (e.g., Excel).

Create risk registers and assist in risk review processes.

Review commercial terms/conditions and identify risk issues.

Ensure compliance with estimating methodology and internal QA/QC standards.

Lead team reviews for estimating quantities and project scope.

Manage vendor and subcontractor solicitations and bid reviews.

Evaluate equipment, material, and specialty item quotes.

Estimate general conditions and indirect costs, coordinating with project management.

Review and present final estimates to senior management.

Recommend contingency and escalation adjustments.

Provide time estimates for the required effort and coordinate with section managers.

Validate value engineering items, alternates, and options.

Train and mentor junior estimators.

Update cost history and maintain estimating database integrity.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

7+ years of direct project estimating experience.

Expertise with Microsoft Office, ConEst, and K-base.

OSHA 10-hour certification.

Strong communication, decision-making, and analytical skills.

Preferred:

4+ years of self-perform substation estimating experience.

8+ years of estimating in transmission & distribution EPC or construction settings.

Extensive experience developing estimates and bidding T&D construction work.

Perks:

Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP)

Performance-based Bonus Program

Fertility and Family Support Benefits

Career Growth through Mentorship and Training

Relocation Assistance

Inclusive company culture focused on employee development