Project Cost Estimator (Intermediate, Senior, or Principal)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Intermediate Project Cost Estimators

• Independently develops project cost estimates for projects of moderate complexity; identifies cost risks, scope gaps, and estimating inconsistencies; and may lead estimate review discussions with project stakeholders.
• Develops construction cost estimates for transmission line and substation projects through the evaluation of project plans, specifications, drawings, quantities, labor, equipment, and material costs.
• Develops detailed project estimates based on ITC standards and site-specific facility drawings.
• Schedules and leads comprehensive estimate reviews with upper management, project managers, field personnel, and scoping parties to cover scope, review costs, subcontractors, and risk.
• Provides expert judgment of costs to support competitive bid projects.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of estimating templates, tools, databases, and related applications to support consistent and reliable project estimates.
• Provides pre-construction support and technical expertise to project management team as needed.
• Reviews and evaluates subcontractor quotes for scope gap and process follow up requests.
• Interfaces and seeks clarification from internal groups such as supply chain, engineering and project management to proactively resolve any inconsistencies in cost estimating data.
• Conducts field visits as required to assess site requirements and project conditions.
• Attends pre-and-post bid meetings as required and be able to effectively present information related to cost estimates.
• Transfers completed estimates and applicable bid documents to the Project Management team in accordance with internal process requirements and established timelines.
• Supports the development and maintenance of internal cost estimating metrics by providing accurate, timely, and relevant data to drive performance measurement, trend analysis, and informed decision-making.
• Participates in Capital Committee meetings to aid project owners in the explanation and justification of project costs and variances.
• Participates in meetings, training, and conferences to strengthen professional knowledge and skills.

Senior Project Cost Estimator

• Create conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for complex transmission, substation, and generation interconnection projects.
• Performs advanced estimate risk analysis, contingency modeling, and estimate validation to support project funding decisions.
• Develops and enhances estimating methodologies, standards, cost models, and benchmarking practices and related applications to support consistent and reliable project estimates.
• Analyzes historical cost data, market trends, labor productivity factors, and escalation impacts to improve estimate accuracy.
• Serves as the estimating subject matter expert (SME) during project development and stage gate reviews.
• Independently resolves complex estimating issues involving scope uncertainty, constructability challenges, and competing project alternatives.
• Facilitates estimate review workshops and challenge sessions with engineering, project management, construction, permitting, real estate, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Provides technical oversight and quality assurance of estimates prepared by junior estimators.
• Prepares and presents estimate assumptions, risks, and recommendations to department leadership and project sponsors.
• Mentors and trains estimators on estimating methodologies, ITC processes, industry standards, and software tools.
• Supports process improvement initiatives that enhance estimating efficiency, consistency, and reporting capabilities.

Principal Project Cost Estimator

• Leads estimating strategy for complex, high-value, or high-risk capital projects and programs.
• Establishes and enhances cost estimating processes, governance practices, and organizational capabilities within Project Controls.
• Develops and/or assist in the development of enterprise-level estimating frameworks, benchmarking programs, and performance metrics.
• Leads the development of enterprise estimating frameworks, automation initiatives, data governance practices, and benchmarking programs and related applications to support consistent and reliable project estimates.
• Leads cross-functional efforts to improve estimating maturity, data quality, forecasting capability, and cost management integration.
• Evaluates industry trends, market intelligence, labor conditions, material pricing, and emerging technologies to assess impacts on future project costs.
• Represents ITC in industry working groups, benchmarking studies, and professional estimating organizations.
• Leads independent estimate reviews and estimate audits for critical capital projects.
• Provides expert testimony, technical support, and negotiation assistance related to claims, change orders, contract disputes, and regulatory filings.
• Coaches and develops estimators across all levels while serving as a technical mentor for estimating leadership.
• Identifies strategic opportunities to improve estimate accuracy, reduce project risk, and optimize capital investment decisions across the project portfolio.
• Drives implementation and continuous improvement of estimating tools, systems, digital solutions, and data governance practices.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field or relevant, equivalent experience and/or education.
• Minimum Work Experience Required
  • Intermediate: Minimum of two (2) years of related experience
  • Senior: Minimum of six (6) years of related experience.
  • Principal: Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of electrical utilities cost estimating depending on the level of the position.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of construction project cash flow forecasting depending on the level of the position.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of project management and project controls processes, including construction scheduling, cost estimating, and cash flow forecasting.
• Possesses sound analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside of ITC.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Works effectively with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
• Possesses electrical and civil Engineering experience/knowledge preferred.
• Possesses Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI preferred.
• Manages multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Learns and uses job-specific software.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.