Primary PurposeThe Principal Cost Estimator role provides enterprise level technical leadership and strategic oversight for the development of transmission and substation cost estimates supporting complex capital projects across multiple U.S. regions, including PJM, MISO, and SPP. Estimates are developed in close collaboration with Exelon's Supply organization and Transmission and Substation teams, leveraging deep expertise in Exelon utility design standards, construction practices, and regional market considerations. The position serves as a recognized subject matter authority in estimating methodology, cost strategy, and pricing rigor, delivering comprehensive labor, equipment, and material cost estimates that support capital investment decisions, regulatory requirements, and competitive project outcomes. The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate project designs and scopes, identify gaps or ambiguities, apply sound professional judgment to resolve incomplete information, and independently develop accurate, defensible cost estimates under accelerated timelines.
Note: This is a hybrid position (in-office with remote flexibility). Employees are required to be in office at least three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). This position must sit out of Oakbrook Terrace - IL, Chicago - IL, Baltimore - MD, Washington - DC, Philadelphia - PA, Kennett Square -PA or Newark -DE office. Primary Duties- Lead the preparation of complete labor, equipment, and material cost estimates for transmission, substation, and distribution projects. Develop detailed responses to RFPs in coordination with internal stakeholders. Follow the Exelon utilities Standard Operating Procedures for estimating, documentation, and cost development. Assist in maintaining and improving Exelon cost databases and estimating tools. Develop strategies and pricing structures to ensure project competitiveness and regulatory compliance. Review and validate work performed by other estimators for accuracy and completeness.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in preparing bills of material and coordinate with Supply and Procurement for long lead equipment. Conduct risk identification and develop mitigation strategies during estimate preparation. Participate and influence accordingly in internal and stakeholder estimate review meetings.
- Review engineering design standards, construction drawings, specifications, and standard work packages to identify opportunities for cost savings, procurement efficiency and material and design modernization. Make strategic recommendations on engineering standard updates, material substitutions, or constructability improvements that reduce installed cost or schedule risk. Collaborate and influence across engineering, procurement, and construction teams to implement approved standard improvements. Maintain documentation of analyses and recommendations.
- Track bid and estimate documentation and maintain compliance with corporate reporting requirements. Conduct post project reviews to validate estimating accuracy and incorporate lessons learned.
- Actively participant and represents the Company interest(s) as directed to serve on pertinent PJM and industry committees to evaluate tariff filings, develop positions, and prepare responses.
Job ScopeThe Principal Cost Estimator Transmission Development role provides end to end ownership and stewardship of the estimating function for highly complex transmission and substation infrastructure projects, operating as both a senior technical authority and a strategic business partner. This position is accountable for developing comprehensive, defensible labor and material cost estimates; leading the preparation of competitive bid packages and RFP/RFQ responses; interpreting and validating engineering designs; conducting field walk downs; and driving constructability assessments to ensure alignment between design intent, execution readiness, and cost certainty. As an individual contributor reporting to the Senior Manager, Transmission Development, the Principal Cost Estimator exercises significant independent judgment and discretion in estimating approach, risk assessment, and pricing strategy for high value capital projects with material financial and regulatory implications. The role plays a key leadership role in advancing engineering and cost optimization by critically reviewing design standards, construction methodologies, and material selections to identify modernization opportunities, procurement efficiencies, and sustainable cost reductions. Serving as a central integrator across the project lifecycle, the Principal Cost Estimator partners closely with project management, engineering, construction leadership, internal clients, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure estimates are technically sound, commercially competitive, and execution ready. In addition to technical estimating responsibilities, the position provides governance and thought leadership across standardized estimating processes, quality controls, and corporate methodologies. This includes maintaining bid and estimate documentation, participating as a trusted reviewer in internal estimate reviews, identifying and quantifying risk, developing mitigation strategies, and supporting post project closeouts and lessons learned activities to continuously improve estimating accuracy and predictability. Overall, the Principal Cost Estimator serves as a critical nexus of engineering insight, commercial acumen, and risk evaluation directly influencing project competitiveness, capital efficiency, and long term value delivery across the company's transmission and substation portfolio.
Minimum QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field. 5 years of estimating experience in transmission, substation, and/or distribution construction.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare conceptual, design build, and EPC style estimates from limited engineering information.
- Strong understanding of electrical codes, utility standards, and construction methods related to T&D infrastructure.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.
- Knowledge of long lead utility equipment (transformers, breakers, structures, cable, etc.) and associated material cost drivers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and industry estimating software such as Accubid or equivalent.
- Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, remain detail oriented, and manage multiple priorities.
- Team oriented with the ability to build strong cross functional relationships
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus, establish trust, communicate effectively and foster culture change
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement process enhancements and efficiencies including technology and performance
- Demonstrated business acumen, customer awareness and ability to create value
- Proven ability to work independently, as a team member and as a team leader including the ability to handle conflicting priorities in a multi task environment.
Preferred QualificationsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Utility experience or EPC interface experience preferred
Benefits- Annual salary will vary based on a candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $104,000.00/Yr. - $143,000.00/Yr.
- Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 20%
- 401(k) match and annual company contribution
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
- Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
- Referral bonus program
- And much more
Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.
