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 Role
Our 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
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