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Remote Utility Estimator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cost Estimator

Emeryville, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $110K/yr

... utilities construction. Our team serves a diverse range of clients, including those in water ... Whether it is hybrid, remote, or in-office, we provide options that allow you to work in a way that ...

BMS Estimator

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$125K - $155K/yr

Evaluate integration requirements involving BAS, BMS, EPMS, SCADA, DCIM, lighting controls, utility ... Value Engineering Recommendations Working Conditions Work is performed in office, remote, and ...

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Remote Utility Estimator information

What is a remote utility estimator?

A Remote Utility Estimator is a professional who assesses and calculates the costs associated with utility projects, such as water, gas, or electrical systems, while working from a remote location. They analyze project plans, specifications, and other documents to determine the resources, materials, and labor required for utility installations or upgrades. These estimators use specialized software and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and clients online to provide accurate cost estimates and support project planning. Their work helps organizations budget effectively and ensure projects are completed within financial constraints.

How does a remote utility estimator typically collaborate with project managers and field teams to ensure accurate cost projections?

As a Remote Utility Estimator, frequent communication with project managers and field teams is essential to gather accurate site data, clarify project requirements, and adjust estimates based on real-time feedback. Collaboration often happens through virtual meetings, shared project management tools, and cloud-based estimating software. This teamwork ensures that cost projections reflect current conditions, minimizes the risk of costly errors, and keeps the project on schedule. Maintaining strong, proactive relationships with all stakeholders helps estimators provide precise and reliable estimates, even while working remotely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote utility estimator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Utility Estimator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of utility construction methods, often supported by a degree in engineering or construction management. Proficiency with estimation software like CostWorks or HeavyBid and familiarity with GIS, CAD, and Microsoft Excel are typically required. Effective communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate remotely with clients, engineers, and project teams. These skills ensure accurate project cost projections, minimize risk, and support seamless remote teamwork in utility infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Remote Utility Estimator vs Remote Construction Estimator?

AspectRemote Utility EstimatorRemote Construction Estimator
CredentialsEstimating certifications, technical knowledgeEstimating certifications, project management skills
Work EnvironmentOffice/remote, utility companies, engineering firmsOffice/remote, construction companies, contractors
Industry UsageUtilities, energy, infrastructure projectsConstruction, building projects, infrastructure
Search IntentEstimating utility costs remotelyEstimating construction costs remotely

Remote Utility Estimators focus on calculating costs for utility projects like water, gas, or energy services, often working with utility companies or engineering firms. Remote Construction Estimators handle project cost estimates for building and infrastructure projects. While both roles require estimating skills and certifications, their industry focus and work environments differ, making each role specialized within their respective sectors.

What job categories do people searching Remote Utility Estimator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Utility Estimator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Remote Utility Estimator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Remote Utility Estimator job openings:

Senior Estimator II - Substation & High Voltage

Cupertino Electric, Inc.

San Jose, CA • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Cupertino Electric rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Posting Title: Sr Estimator II – Substation & High Voltage  
Reports To: Chief Estimator - Energy
Location: Remote
Salary Range: $123,000 to $161,000
 
Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.

WHO WE ARE
Since 1954, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. And we've done it with integrity for more than 70 years. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we're proud to be part of Quanta Services (PWR:NYSE), North America's largest employer of skilled craft labor. Because what we do is important, but how we do it is everything. 
 
THE ENERGY TEAM
Our Energy Group at CEI builds projects from the field to the grid. Whether it’s a solar, battery storage, substation, EV charging, microgrid or converter station project, our skilled project managers, engineers and field employees deliver when it matters most. We work with customers on programs of all sizes—those spanning several smaller sites or spanning several thousand acres.  Besides building some of the nation’s largest utility-scale solar plants and installing more EV charging stations in California than any other contractor, we are dedicated to running a business that is environmentally responsible.
 
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Sr Estimator II will work closely with the Estimating, Preconstruction, Project Management, Purchasing, and Engineering teams.  The role will report to the Chief Estimator - Energy. The HV Estimator will be responsible for developing precise, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for HV/MV Substation/Transmission estimates, including self-perform and subcontracted scopes of work – often associated with Utility-scale solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), or data centers.  Estimating includes developing proposal level designs, RFQ and quote evaluation & contractor selection.  
 
  • Performing all levels and types of estimating, planning, scheduling, and cost engineering for project activities
  • Accurately performing material take-offs for HV/MV utility projects
  • Reviewing, evaluating and negotiating material quotes
  • Developing and maintaining material vendor relationships
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with subcontractors/partners
  • Manage and maintain vendor and subcontractor database
  • Preparing vendor Requests for Quotes and evaluate vendor pricing
  • Knowledge of power delivery, including substations and transmission lines
  • Knowledge of all engineering scopes, including electrical, mechanical, structural, civil, and permitting compliance
  • Training and developing junior estimators
  • Manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Reviewing and implementing lessons learned to ensure estimating data is accurate and comparative
  • Researching new products and installation techniques and developing cost roadmaps to ensure competitive pricing
  • Interpreting construction plans and specifications
  • Operating in a high-stress environment to provide critical project deliverables in the form of engineering, procurement, and construction estimates with supporting documentation to meet milestone proposal dates
  • Knowledge of shipping and logistics with respect to cost estimating
  • Successfully meeting deadlines and partner with team members while working remotely
Knowledge: Developing professional expertise, applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues. 
 
Job Complexity: Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Builds productive internal/external working relationships.
 
Supervision: Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
 
ABOUT YOU
  • Verifiable experience of reliable and integrity-driven work habits in an unsupervised setting when appropriate
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven analytical, organizational and negotiation skills
  • Experience with Engineer, Procure, Construct (EPC) estimates
  • Experience with MS Office
  • Experience with Accubid or similar estimating software
  • Experience with Bluebeam or similar on-screen take-off software
  • Utility substation and transmission line experience
  • Existing relationships with Tier 1 vendors
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuitry and calculations
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
 
Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
 
Licensure/Certifications: None required. 
 
Experience: Estimating experience in substations, transmission and distribution systems.  Preferred: additional experience in project management, solar PV, or battery energy storage.  More than (7) years of experience would qualify for Senior Estimator.
 
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
 
#LI-JJ1
 
PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here.
 
CEI is a place where every single person can—and does—have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you’ll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people’s lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.
 
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
 
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
 
Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at ceijobs@cei.com or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.

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