Takeoff Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

About Newkirk

Newkirk Electric is a family-owned construction and engineering company where you’ll find the benefits of working for a larger company with the values of a family business. We call it a “Big Small Company.” With 700 employees and 65 years in operation, our teams work together every day to make meaningful work happen. Join us!

The Opportunity

The Material Procurement, Takeoff & Specifications Specialist is responsible for developing complete and accurate material takeoffs, evaluating project specifications, and preparing procurement packages to support competitive bids for high-voltage substation construction projects. This position serves as the primary resource for identifying, quantifying, and qualifying all permanent materials required to construct substations in accordance with owner specifications, engineering drawings, and applicable industry standards. 

Working closely with estimators, engineers, project managers, and procurement personnel, this role ensures material scopes are complete, technically compliant, competitively priced, and aligned with project schedules. 

What You'll Do

Material Takeoffs 

• Review IFC (Issued for Construction), bid, and preliminary design drawings to develop detailed material takeoffs.  

Specification Review 

• Analyze project specifications to determine material requirements, approved manufacturers, technical requirements, and procurement constraints.  
• Identify owner-specific standards and utility requirements.  
• Recognize specification deviations, exclusions, and bid risks.  
• Ensure takeoffs comply with contract documents and applicable standards.  

Procurement Support 

• Prepare detailed RFQ packages for vendors and manufacturers.  
• Coordinate quotation requests with approved suppliers.  
• Compare vendor quotations for completeness, technical compliance, delivery schedules, and pricing.  
• Resolve scope gaps and technical discrepancies with vendors. 

Estimating Support 

• Provide accurate material pricing inputs to estimating teams.  
• Assist estimators in identifying procurement risks and long-lead items.  
• Recommend alternative products or value engineering opportunities when appropriate.  
• Maintain historical pricing databases and material cost information.  

Vendor Coordination 

• Develop relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.  
• Support project management to facilitate status and delivery commitments.  
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and responsiveness.  
• Coordinate clarification requests during the bidding process.  

Documentation 

• Maintain organized material takeoff files.  
• Prepare Bills of Materials (BOMs).  
• Document assumptions, exclusions, and procurement notes.  
• Maintain current vendor contact lists and approved manufacturer databases.  

Required Qualifications 

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, OR 5+ years of experience in electrical utility, transmission, or substation construction. 
• Experience performing material takeoffs for electrical infrastructure projects.  
• Strong understanding of substation equipment and construction practices.  
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office systems and strong computer skills.  

Technical Knowledge 

Candidates should possess working knowledge of: 

• Utility substation construction methods  
• Electrical one-line diagrams  
• Three-line drawings  
• General arrangement drawings  
• Structural drawings  
• Foundation drawings  
• Grounding plans  
• Control building layouts  
• Protection and control systems  
• Bill of Materials development  
• Material lead times  
• Utility specifications  
• IEEE, ANSI, ASTM, and NEMA standards  
• NEC and applicable electrical codes  

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical skills  
• Excellent attention to detail  
• Technical aptitude  
• Organization and time management  
• Communication skills  
• Ability to manage multiple bid deadlines  
• Problem-solving abilities  
• Vendor negotiation skills  
• Cost awareness  
• Team collaboration