Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
7 to 10+ years of cost estimating experience in heavy industrial construction, focusing on Power Generation.
Proven track record of estimating major power projects valued between $5M and $100M+.
Proficiency in Timberline (Sage Estimating) or similar estimating software.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with Primavera P6.
Responsibilities
Prepare detailed multi-discipline estimates for industrial power generation projects.
Quantify and price heavy mechanical equipment installations.
Perform detailed takeoffs and cost analysis for balance-of-plant systems.
Utilize Timberline or similar software for structured cost items and bid estimates.
Develop scopes of work for specialized power subcontractors and evaluate vendor quotes.
Identify project-specific risks and collaborate with project teams for execution strategies.
Assist in preparing bid proposal packages and executive estimate reviews.
Benefits
Opportunity to work on large-scale power generation projects.
Engagement with cutting-edge estimating software and digital tools.
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
Potential for professional growth within a reputable construction company.
Full Job Description
Executive Summary & Role Purpose
W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company is seeking a highly skilled Estimator III (Power Generation) to support our Yates Industrial Division in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Estimator III (Power) serves as a senior-level discipline estimator and lead technical cost estimator for power generation projects within industrial facilities and utility-scale installations. Key focus areas include Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plants, Industrial Cogeneration / Combined Heat & Power (CHP), Industrial Boilers, Biomass, Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), Balance of Plant (BOP), and Environmental Retrofits (FGD, SCR).
This role requires deep expertise in quantity takeoff, labor productivity analysis, equipment sourcing, subcontractor evaluation, and bid packaging, along with high competency in Timberline (Sage Estimating) or equivalent industrial estimating software.
Key Responsibilities & Principal Duties
A. Power Generation Estimating & Cost Modeling
Prepare accurate, detailed multi-discipline estimates (lump-sum, unit-price, EPC, GMP, and conceptual budget models) for industrial power generation projects.
Quantify and price heavy mechanical equipment installation (turbines, generators, boilers, HRSGs, condensers, cooling towers, pumps, compressors, and pressure vessels).
Perform detailed takeoffs and cost analysis for balance-of-plant (BOP) systems, heavy structural steel, process/power piping (high-pressure/high-temp steam lines), heavy civil foundations, and electrical/instrumentation (E&I) systems.
Utilize Timberline (Sage Estimating) or similar industry-standard software (MC2, WinEst) to construct structured cost items, assemblies, and bid estimates.
Leverage 3D models and digital takeoff software (eTakeoff, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu) for precise quantity verification.
Maintain and update cost databases, unit rates, labor productivity factors, and historical performance metrics from completed power generation builds.
C. Subcontractor & Vendor Engagement
Develop detailed scopes of work for specialized power subcontractors (heavy rigging, specialized welding, NDT, insulation, refractory, E&I).
Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and equipment vendor quotes to ensure scope alignment and competitive pricing.
Maintain strong relationships with power generation equipment manufacturers and specialty industrial craft contractors.
D. Risk Analysis & Preconstruction Support
Identify project-specific risks, site constraints, outage/turnaround schedules, constructability challenges, and long-lead equipment impacts.
Collaborate with project managers, schedulers (Primavera P6), safety leads, and engineering teams to align estimate assumptions with execution strategies.
Assist in preparing bid proposal packages, value engineering options, and executive estimate review presentations.
Required Qualifications & Competencies
Education & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent combination of technical education and hands-on heavy industrial field experience.
7 to 10+ years of progressive experience in cost estimating for heavy industrial construction, with a strong focus on Power Generation and Cogeneration facilities.
Demonstrated track record of estimating major power projects ranging from $5M to $100M+ in capital value.
Technical Software Competencies
Mandatory Software Competency: Proficiency in Timberline (Sage Estimating) or similar heavy industrial estimating software (MC2, WinEst, etc.).
Proficiency in digital takeoff applications (eTakeoff, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu).
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (custom cost sheets, pivot tables, data modeling).
Familiarity with Primavera P6 scheduling logic and BIM/CAD software integration.
Core Industrial Discipline Knowledge
High technical literacy in power plant mechanical systems, high-pressure piping (ASME codes), structural support steel, heavy rigging/crane operations, and power plant civil foundations.
Familiarity with turnaround, shutdown, and tie-in execution strategies within active industrial power facilities.
Work Location & Travel Expectations
Primary Base: Yates Construction Industrial Division Office - Birmingham, Alabama.
Travel Requirement: Periodic regional site visits for pre-bid walk-throughs, site condition assessments, client meetings, and subcontractor coordination (approx. 10% - 20%).
Summary of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Estimate Accuracy & Completeness: Low variance between estimated budget and actual project cost baseline.
Scope Verification: Zero scope gaps across vendor quotes and subcontractor bid packages.
Turnaround Efficiency: Timely delivery of conceptual studies, budget updates, and final bid submissions.
Database Integrity: Active contribution of post-project actual costs back into the Timberline database.
