Senior or Principal Estimator

Overview

Develops accurate cost estimates & budgets for PGE's substation & transmission projects.

Key Responsibilities

• cost estimating
• data analysis
• benchmarking
• variance analysis
• tool development
• bid preparation

Tasks

-Utilizing historical data to develop concept level estimates and creating benchmarks and metrics to validate estimates. -Prepare Estimates: Review project plans, specifications, and scope of work to identify cost components, potential risks, and opportunities for cost optimization. Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates utilizing cost estimating software, cost databases and tools to produce material quantities takeoff, labor hours, equipment usage, and subcontractor costs. -Participate in post-project evaluation meetings to identify lessons learned and incorporate them into future cost estimation processes for continuous improvement. -Collecting and analyzing data related to labor rates, labor productivity, materials, and services rates to improve the estimating database. -Collaboration: Work with the project team during all phases of projects to gain deep understanding of the project goals, benefits, resources, risks, and overall scope to ensure alignment with cost estimates. -Prepare Estimates: Review project plans, specifications, and scope of work to identify cost components, potential risks, and opportunities for cost optimization. Develop accurate and detailed cost estimates utilizing cost estimating software, cost databases and tools to perform material quantities takeoff, labor hours, equipment usage, and subcontractor costs. -Financial Analysis and Control: Work with Project Controls analysts to monitor and track actual costs incurred during construction projects, compare to estimated costs, and provide timely updates and variance analysis to the project team and management. -Data Analysis: Collect and analyze historical cost data, market trends, vendor quotes, and industry benchmarks, to support cost estimation. -Creating tools and knowledge bases to increase estimating efficiency. -Reviewing actuals to estimates reports and perform variance analysis to recommend corrective actions to the estimating program. -Assisting the estimating manager with the overall quality of the estimating program. -Construction Bids: Work with Procurement and project team to prepare Request for Proposal (RFP). To support the bid evaluation efforts by providing insights related to costs, schedules, risks, and overall compliance to company standards. -Maintaining and updating the estimating manual and the best practices. -Budget Development: Prepare clear and concise cost estimation reports, documentation, and presentations to communicate cost estimates, clarifications, assumptions, and recommendations to stakeholders and management. -Aligning the estimating processes with current company and industry guidelines. -Process Improvement: The principal estimator will be responsible for the continuous improvement of the cost estimating program by developing and maintaining tools and processes to help with increasing efficiency, accuracy, and quality. The principal estimator supports and assists the estimating manager in translating company and department strategic goals into actions and measurable objectives. Tasks performed include:

Requirements

• cost estimating
• project management
• scheduling
• aace
• pmp
• bachelors

What You Bring

-Intermediate knowledge of all company standards and tariffs, company policy and applicable codes and local jurisdiction requirements -Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress -Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment -Intermediate to advanced knowledge of scheduling and database computer software and applications -Advanced conflict management skills -Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather -Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, with attention to detail. -Education Senior Estimator & Principal Estimator: Requires a bachelor's degree in construction engineering management/technology, engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience. -Expertise in construction, engineering, and/ or cost estimating, preferably within the electric utility or energy industry. Familiarity with industry standards, regulations, and best practices is crucial. -Excellent communication and collaboration abilities -Advanced enterprise/business awareness skills -Advanced analytical thinking skills -Strong understanding of the principles of cost engineering (preferred AACE certified, or any recognized certificates related to cost estimating/ controls, or project management.) -Experience with cost estimation methods and tools such as parametric, analogous, and bottom-up estimating. Experience with cost estimation software and specialized cost databases. -Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks -Certifications: CCP, CEP, or PMP are a plus. -Experience Senior Estimator: Typically, five or more years in construction and cost estimation for all types of construction projects with electrical, mechanical and civil components or a related field. Principal Estimator: Typically, eight or more years in construction and cost estimation for all types of construction projects with electrical, mechanical and civil components or a related field. -Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift) -Advanced business process interrelationship skills -Advanced decision-making skills -Ability to work a variable schedule -Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to strict deadlines. -Intermediate to advanced knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control and general profit/loss terms -Intermediate to advanced knowledge of project management methods and concepts -Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance -Intermediate to advanced knowledge of project sequencing for placement of major equipment from early design through permitting -Ability to work long hours -Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory – occasionally (one to two times a month or less). Overnight inside/outside the service territory – occasionally (one to two times a month or less) -Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks -Ability to follow accuracy standards -Lifting/pushing/pulling: Up to 10 lbs.

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About Portland General Electric

-the company began transmitting long‑distance power from Willamette Falls in 1889, a pioneering effort in the region -It operates a diversified fleet—hydro, natural gas, coal, wind and solar—alongside a sizable transmission and distribution network across Oregon -Serving nearly a million retail customers in over 50 cities, it blends generation, wholesale trading, and regulated retail operations -Typical projects include hydroelectric dams like T.W. Sullivan (still active from 1889), wind‑solar‑battery hybrids (e.g., Wheatridge), and transmission line expansions -Unusual facts: it closed Oregon’s last in‑state coal plant early and built one of the first long‑distance AC transmission systems in the U.S.

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