Lead Electrical Estimator – Industrial & Infrastructure

Location: Various
Employment Type: Full-Time

Leading the Estimates That Power Critical Infrastructure

Strengthening our nation’s power grid and industrial systems isn’t easy—but reliable electrical infrastructure is essential to everyday life. Every time someone powers a home, business, or critical facility, Michels Power, Inc. is behind the scenes delivering the systems that make it possible.

Michels Power, Inc. is one of the largest and most respected power delivery and industrial electrical contractors in the United States. We execute complex projects across industrial facilities, substations, transmission systems, renewable energy, and oil & gas environments.

Position Objective

The Lead Electrical Estimator – Industrial & Infrastructure provides leadership, mentorship, and technical direction to estimating teams while preparing and reviewing job estimates and bids. This role is responsible for developing project schedules and forecasts, completing quantity takeoffs, conducting site reviews, and interacting with customers throughout the preconstruction process.

This position works closely with the Estimating Manager, Project Management team, and external partners to ensure accurate, competitive bids that align with customer needs and result in successful project awards.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental policies, procedures, and regulations
• Lead, mentor, and support the development of estimators and estimating team members
• Review bid requirements to ensure all project scopes are fully defined, documented, and accounted for
• Perform and review quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, and pricing strategies
• Partner with Procurement to secure vendor and supplier pricing
• Facilitate resolution of complex estimating and project challenges
• Work with other lead estimators to develop and promote best practices and process improvements
• Conduct site visits, pre-bid meetings, and constructability reviews
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor pricing and contract terms
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Operations teams to align estimates with execution strategy
• Interact with customers and stakeholders throughout the bid and negotiation process
• Promote Michels Family of Companies’ culture, policies, and core values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of related estimating or construction experience
• Experience with negotiation and contract review
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in utility, industrial, or electrical construction
• Strong proficiency with estimating software (e.g., AccuBid or similar tools)
• Prior project management experience
• Background in industrial electrical or power infrastructure estimating

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

• Primarily office-based role with frequent standing and walking
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Requires close vision and focus adjustment for detailed work
• Work environment is typically climate-controlled with minimal hazards
• Approximately 25% travel required for jobsite visits, pre-bid meetings, and preconstruction activities
• During travel, exposure to outdoor conditions, active job sites, and moderate to loud noise levels may occur

Why Michels Power, Inc.?

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering News-Record
• National leader in industrial, substation, and transmission construction
• Family-owned company with long-term stability
• Strategic growth driven by quality, safety, and performance
• Invests approximately $5,000 per employee annually in training and development
• Work on high-impact infrastructure projects across industries
• Strong safety culture—everyone is responsible
• Part of one of North America’s most diversified infrastructure contractors

Comprehensive Benefits

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