Senior Project Estimator - Transmission (High Voltage)
Bay Area, CA | Contract | ID# 678
We are currently seeking a Senior Project Estimator with seasoned high-voltage Transmission estimating experience to support major capital programs across the greater Bay Area.
This role requires deep expertise in utility Transmission cost development-not general industrial or commercial construction estimating. The successful candidate will have extensive experience preparing estimates for 115kV+ transmission line projects within regulated IOU environments.
As a Senior Project Estimator, you will lead capital cost development for transmission line builds, rebuilds, underground segments, and associated substation tie-ins-supporting capital approvals, regulatory submissions, and construction execution baselines.
Key Responsibilities
Lead preparation of Class 5 through Class 1 cost estimates for high-voltage transmission projects
Develop detailed cost models for overhead transmission lines (115kV+), including steel poles, lattice towers, foundations, and conductor systems
Prepare estimates for reconductoring, line rebuilds, underground transmission segments, and associated civil work
Incorporate outage-driven sequencing, energization milestones, and access constraints into cost modeling
Develop labor-hour models for transmission construction crews and specialty contractors
Prepare material cost forecasts for conductors, insulators, hardware, structural steel, foundations, and long-lead equipment
Support environmental, ROW, access, and permitting-related cost impacts
Develop contingency strategies, escalation models, and risk-adjusted cost projections
Collaborate with Project Developers, Engineers, Project Managers, and Project Controls to align cost baselines with scope and schedule
Review contractor bids and support independent cost validation and reconciliation
Support capital justification documentation and regulatory reporting requirements
Champion PTAG's values of safety, accountability, collaboration, and integrity
Required Qualifications
15+ years of estimating experience within electric utilities
Demonstrated, seasoned experience estimating high-voltage Transmission projects (115kV and above required)
Strong experience with overhead transmission construction including structures, foundations, conductor systems, and line hardware
Experience estimating transmission rebuilds, reconductoring, and underground transmission segments
Experience within regulated IOU or EPC environments supporting utilities
Deep understanding of transmission construction sequencing and outage-based work
Strong knowledge of transmission material cost drivers and labor modeling
Proficiency with utility-focused estimating tools such as:
• Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE)
• Cleopatra Enterprise
• Primavera P6 (including cost loading)
• Advanced Excel-based estimating models
• Bluebeam, Procore, McCormick System
• SAP or EcoSys (capital governance exposure)
• Hard Dollar / HeavyBid (for civil scope components)
Ability to interpret transmission engineering drawings and technical specifications
Experience presenting cost baselines to senior leadership and regulatory stakeholders
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
Mandatory Experience Alignment (Non-Negotiable)
Candidates must demonstrate:
• Direct estimating experience on 115kV+ transmission line projects
• Experience supporting regulated utility capital programs
• Transmission-specific labor and material cost modeling expertise
Candidates without high-voltage Transmission estimating experience will not be considered.
Location & Work Model
Primary locations: San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, and greater Bay Area
Work schedule: Onsite / field-based, Monday-Friday, 40+ hours per week
Remote work: Not available at this stage
