Transmission & Distribution Estimator

Location: Various
Employment Type: Full-Time

Estimating the Infrastructure That Powers Communities

Strengthening our nation’s power grid isn’t easy—but reliable electrical service is essential to everyday life. Every time someone powers a home, business, or community, Michels Power, Inc. is behind the scenes making it happen.

Michels Power, Inc. is one of the largest and most sought-after power delivery contractors in the United States. We execute projects across transmission lines, substations, distribution systems, renewable energy, and utility modernization, as well as emergency power restoration.

Position Objective

The Transmission & Distribution Estimator is responsible for evaluating bid specifications and drawings to ensure all requirements are understood and accounted for to successfully bid and win projects. This role works closely with subcontractors and Project Management teams to develop competitive bids, track budgets, and support successful project awards.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental policies, procedures, and regulations
• Review bid requirements for projects ranging approximately from $500K to $10M, ensuring all aspects of the scope are fully documented and accounted for
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for transmission and distribution construction projects
• Partner with Procurement to secure vendor and supplier pricing
• Identify, manage, and maintain relationships with subcontractors, ensuring timely and complete bid coverage
• Aggressively follow up with subcontractors to ensure competitive bid participation
• Develop project schedules and cost forecasts
• Track and analyze budget-to-actual comparisons throughout the estimating process
• Collaborate with Project Management teams to follow up on bids, budgets, and close business opportunities
• Properly turn over bid documents and subcontractor buyout information to Project Managers
• Review drawings with Project Management teams and highlight risks, scope gaps, and constructability concerns
• Maintain accurate, organized estimate documentation and bid records
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 3–5 years of related experience in estimating, transmission & distribution, or utility construction
• Experience with negotiation and subcontractor coordination
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in transmission, distribution, or utility infrastructure construction
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and estimating software (e.g., Accubid, HCSS, or similar)
• Exposure to project management or field operations
• Experience working with utility clients, co-ops, or municipalities

Core Developmental Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Action Oriented
• Personal Accountability
• Drives Results
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Values Differences
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Self-Development

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Combination of office-based work and field/site visits
• Frequent standing, walking, along with desk-based work
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Work may include exposure to outdoor weather, active job sites, and moderate noise levels
• Requires close vision, color vision, and focus adjustment for detailed estimating work
• Approximately 25% travel required for jobsite visits, pre-bid meetings, and preconstruction support

Why Michels Power, Inc.?

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering News-Record
• Industry leader in utility, transmission, and distribution infrastructure construction
• Family-owned company with long-term stability
• Invests approximately $5,000 per employee annually in training and development
• Work on high-impact projects that power communities and economies
• Strong safety culture—everyone is responsible
• Part of one of North America’s largest and most diversified infrastructure contractors

Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
• HSA / FSA Options
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal & Identity Protection

Why You?

• You enjoy working with numbers, drawings, and construction scopes
• You thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• You have strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• You collaborate effectively with project teams and subcontractors
• You want to contribute to infrastructure that powers communities and the electrical grid