Cost Engineer / Estimator

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a highly qualified Cost Engineer / Estimator  to support major electric utility transmission and substation projects. This position can be remote with periodic travel to client offices and project sites. 

This position will work directly with the Senior Substation Estimator, Project Managers, Engineers, and Construction Managers to develop construction cost estimates, support procurement activities, maintain cost databases, review contractor pricing, and assist with project forecasting and financial management.

This role is ideal for a developing estimator with utility, industrial, heavy civil, electrical, or construction experience who is looking to build expertise in transmission and substation infrastructure projects.

At GFT, we’re not just engineering the future; we’re meticulously building it. Our comprehensive suite of construction and program management services reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, innovation, and sustainability. Our construction management services are the cornerstone of our commitment to transforming communities and enhancing lives. We oversee every construction phase to help ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Cost Estimating Support

• Assist in the preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed construction estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs from engineering drawings, specifications, and design documents.
• Compile labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing information.
• Develop estimate worksheets, bid summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain estimating templates, databases, and historical cost information.
• Support estimate reviews and estimate reconciliation efforts.

Bid Evaluation & Procurement Support

• Assist with contractor and supplier bid evaluations.
• Prepare bid tabulations and pricing comparisons.
• Research supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Review quotations for completeness and scope compliance.
• Support procurement activities and construction package development.

Cost Engineering & Financial Analysis

• Assist with project budgeting and forecasting efforts.
• Track estimate performance against project budgets.
• Support development of project cash flow forecasts.
• Assist with monthly cost reporting and financial analysis.
• Identify cost trends and support variance reporting.

Change Management Support

• Assist in the review of contractor change orders.
• Perform quantity and pricing checks for proposed changes.
• Support development of independent cost estimates.
• Track potential project cost impacts and changes.
• Maintain change management logs and documentation.

Project Controls Integration

• Work closely with project management and project controls teams.
• Support development of project cost reports and dashboards.
• Assist with earned value and performance measurement reporting.
• Maintain project cost records and supporting documentation.
• Participate in project team meetings and estimate review sessions.

Education | Experience:

What you will bring to our firm: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Finance, Quantity Surveying, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–7 years of estimating, cost engineering, project controls, or construction experience.
• Experience with construction quantity takeoffs and cost development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 What we prefer you bring: 

• Experience supporting electric utility, transmission, substation, industrial, or heavy civil projects.
• Familiarity with construction estimating software and databases.
• Understanding of construction contracts and procurement processes.
• Experience with project controls, forecasting, and cost reporting.
• Exposure to utility capital projects or EPC/EPCM project delivery.
• Familiarity with Power BI or other reporting tools.

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

  • Electrical construction
  • Utility infrastructure projects
  • Transmission and substations
  • Heavy civil construction
  • Structural steel and foundations
  • Underground utilities and duct banks
  • Industrial construction
  • Equipment installation projects

 Compensation:The salary range for this role is $115,000 - $140,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits: • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview:

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location: Mid-Atlantic area
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

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