Lead Estimator - High Voltage & BESS Remote, United States Regular Full-Time

RES is hiring a Lead Estimator for high-voltage substations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects. Based remotely, this role prepares detailed cost estimates for utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure, including substation construction up to 500kV, transmission components, and battery storage facilities. You will lead a team of estimators, manage complex multi-phase proposals, and coordinate with preconstruction managers and engineering teams on EPC (Engineer-Procure-Construct) and design-build projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates for utility-grade substation, high-voltage transmission, and BESS projects, incorporating labor, material, equipment, and productivity factors
• Lead and oversee multiple estimators on concurrent project proposals for Bid-Build and EPC construction RFPs
• Review RFP documents to identify project scope, pricing elements, and technical requirements
• Complete quantity take-offs from construction plans and design documents for substation systems up to 500kV
• Compile indicative budgets in the absence of fully engineered documents
• Manage vendor and subcontractor quote requests; evaluate responses for accuracy and schedule compliance
• Coordinate with preconstruction managers on engineering support services and project schedule alignment
• Maintain and apply current market data for construction, material, and soft costs; assess impacts from local labor, commodity pricing, and client specifications
• Identify and document project risks in risk registers
• Create bid proposal documents including Statements of Value (SOV), technical forms, and Assumptions/Clarifications/Exclusions (ACE) documents
• Present project scope, risks, and cost estimates to operations and executive leadership
• Collaborate with proposal strategists and preconstruction managers on final RFP responses
• Compile and maintain historical cost data for project analysis

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; OR high school diploma with 2+ years equivalent industry experience
• 7+ years hands-on estimating experience for substation and high-voltage systems
• 1+ year field-based construction experience
• 2+ years leading a team of estimators on project pursuits or supervisory experience (preferred)
• 2+ years estimating BESS DC and AC coupled systems (preferred)
• Extensive experience with EPC and Balance of Plant (BOP) estimate structures for utility-scale renewable energy projects
• Knowledge of design-build construction methods and production-based cost estimation
• Ability to complete quantity take-offs from construction plans and geotechnical reports
• Proficiency with Blue Beam or Adobe for quantity take-off work
• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid or similar estimating software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Project, OneNote, Teams, and SharePoint
• Ability to evaluate site conditions and develop competitive estimates based on labor, equipment, and material resources
• Ability to travel 5–15% as required
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening required

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 4× salary basic life insurance and voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Accident, hospital, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) plan with 6% company match
• 4 weeks paid time off and 10 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and green car reimbursement
• Volunteer and charity matching
• Paid parental leave and paid sabbatical leave
• Employee referral bonus
• Employee discounts and wellness programs
• Wellness reimbursement
• Position is bonus eligible
• Salary range: $142,000–$178,000 based on education, qualifications, experience, and location