Job Title: Senior Project Estimator – Construction (Electrical Focus)Location: Detroit, MI (Hybrid – Tues, Wed, Thurs On-Site | Mon & Fri Remote)
Pay Rate: $65/hour
Contract: 12-month contract with strong potential for extension or direct hire
About the RoleOur client is seeking a Senior Project Estimator to support large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on electrical systems and utilities. This role plays a critical part in ensuring projects are accurately scoped, cost-effective, and executed efficiently.You will partner closely with project managers, engineers, and contractors to develop and validate estimates across the full project lifecycle—from early conceptual planning through execution.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and maintain project estimates including ROM, budgetary, unit pricing, and detailed estimates
- Review engineering designs and scope packages for completeness and accuracy
- Validate contractor and engineering estimates, including quantities and pricing
- Analyze and challenge contractor bids to ensure scope alignment and cost optimization
- Review and evaluate change orders for accuracy and impact
- Build estimate structures by WBS to support cost-loaded schedules
- Perform cost analysis, risk assessments, benchmarking, and value engineering
- Support constructability reviews and claims analysis
- Contribute to the development and improvement of estimating standards, tools, and processes
- Participate in lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
- Collaborate across matrixed teams and support multiple concurrent projects
Required Qualifications- One of the following:
- High School Diploma or GED + 10+ years of electrical estimating experience, OR
- Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related) + 8+ years of relevant experience, OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related) + 6+ years of relevant experience
- Strong experience estimating electrical systems in construction environments
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with large-scale construction or utility projects, ideally in renewables (solar, wind)
- Background in substations, overhead (OH), and underground (UG) electrical work
- Experience estimating full project lifecycle costs including engineering, construction, and commissioning
- Familiarity with On-Screen Takeoff or similar estimating software
Additional Requirements- Ability to work in industrial or power plant environments (stairs, confined spaces, varying temperatures)
- Willingness to travel occasionally for site visits and project walkdowns
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
- Proven analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination capabilities
Why This Role- High-impact role supporting major infrastructure and energy projects
- Competitive pay at $65/hour
- Hybrid flexibility with consistent schedule
- Strong potential for long-term extension or direct hire
- Opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility projects
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