The posting
Lead Estimator - Transmission
Overhead Transmission | Power Delivery | EPC | Utility Infrastructure
Location: Neenah, WI Preferred | Flexible Within Michels Power Operating Regions Employment Type: Full-Time Travel: Approximately 25% Travel Required
Build the Projects That Power the Grid
The future of the electric grid depends on the successful delivery of transmission infrastructure that connects power generation, renewable energy resources, substations, and customers across North America. Long before construction begins, successful projects are shaped by accurate estimating, strategic planning, risk evaluation, and strong customer relationships.
As a Lead Estimator - Transmission, you will play a critical role in helping Michels Power secure and successfully execute some of the nation's most complex overhead transmission projects. You will provide technical estimating leadership, mentor developing estimators, support major project pursuits, and collaborate with Operations, Procurement, and Project Management teams to develop competitive and executable project strategies.
About Michels Power, Inc.
Michels Power, Inc. supports America's electrical and communication backbone by delivering comprehensive overhead and underground construction services for 69 kV to 765 kV electric utility systems and fiber networks. As one of the largest private power utility electrical contractors in the United States, Michels Power combines experienced project leadership, highly skilled field resources, and one of the industry's premier equipment fleets to successfully execute complex power delivery projects across North America.
Our teams design, build, and maintain critical infrastructure including transmission lines, distribution systems, electrical substations, renewable energy facilities, battery energy storage systems (BESS), communication systems, structure foundations, heavy civil infrastructure, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects. We provide comprehensive project oversight from planning and scheduling through procurement, construction, quality assurance, commissioning, and project closeout.
Leveraging engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) delivery capabilities, Michels Power is proud to be a member of the Michels Family of Companies.
Position Overview
As a Lead Estimator - Transmission, you will lead estimating efforts supporting overhead transmission construction projects across Michels Power's operating regions. You will review bid opportunities, prepare and review estimates, develop pricing strategies, evaluate project risks, coordinate subcontractor and supplier pricing, and support project pursuit efforts from opportunity identification through project award.
This role serves as a senior estimating resource within the organization, providing guidance and mentorship to Estimators while working closely with Estimating Managers, Project Managers, Regional Operations leaders, Procurement personnel, customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Success requires strong transmission construction knowledge, commercial awareness, estimating expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to develop accurate, competitive, and executable project estimates.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead estimating efforts supporting overhead transmission construction projects.
- Assist in the development, training, and mentorship of Estimators and estimating personnel.
- Review bid requirements and ensure all project scopes, risks, assumptions, and deliverables are properly documented and captured.
- Develop competitive cost estimates that support profitable project execution.
- Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Support the continued growth and success of Michels Power's transmission construction business.
What You'll Do
- Review plans, specifications, contracts, bid documents, and customer requirements for transmission construction projects.
- Prepare and review detailed quantity takeoffs, labor projections, equipment requirements, subcontractor costs, indirect costs, and material pricing.
- Work closely with Procurement to obtain supplier quotations, vendor pricing, and market intelligence.
- Analyze project risks, constructability challenges, schedule impacts, labor requirements, and execution strategies.
- Develop project schedules, production assumptions, cost forecasts, and pricing strategies.
- Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, customer meetings, and project reviews.
- Facilitate resolution of complex estimating, pricing, scope, and constructability issues.
- Support proposal development and bid submission activities.
- Review subcontractor proposals and assist with negotiations during the pursuit phase.
- Maintain organized estimate documentation, historical cost information, and project records.
- Collaborate with Project Management and Operations teams to support successful project turnover and execution.
- Work with estimating leadership across Michels Power to develop and implement estimating best practices.
Types of Projects Supported
This role may support estimating efforts involving:
- Overhead Transmission Lines
- Greenfield Transmission Construction
- Transmission Line Rebuilds
- Reconductoring Programs
- Utility Hardening Initiatives
- Grid Modernization Projects
- Renewable Energy Interconnections
- Transmission Structure Installations
- Steel Pole Projects
- Lattice Tower Projects
- Foundation Construction
- EPC Power Delivery Projects
- Utility Infrastructure Expansion Programs
Leadership Responsibilities
- Mentor and train Estimators and developing estimating professionals.
- Share technical estimating knowledge, industry best practices, and construction expertise.
- Support workload planning and estimate reviews across the estimating organization.
- Promote consistency, accuracy, and quality throughout estimating activities.
- Foster collaboration between Estimating, Operations, Procurement, and Project Management teams.
- Serve as a trusted resource for complex project pursuits and high-profile opportunities.
Why Michels Power, Inc.?
- We help build, strengthen, and modernize the infrastructure that powers communities and industries across North America.
- We execute some of the nation's most complex transmission, distribution, substation, renewable energy, and power delivery projects.
- We are family owned and operated.
- We invest an average of $5,000 per employee per year in training and career development.
- We perform meaningful work that supports the future of energy infrastructure.
- We believe everyone is responsible for promoting safety, regardless of job title.
- We are part of the Michels Family of Companies, one of North America's largest and most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors.
- We provide opportunities to influence major project pursuits and shape the future growth of our transmission business.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Legal Plan
- Identity Theft Protection and Monitoring Plan
Benefits may vary based on position and location.
Why You?
- You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.
- You relish new challenges and evolving technology.
- You cringe when you hear: “Because that's the way we've always done it.”
- You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated.
- You want to make your own decisions, but know support is always available.
- You enjoy solving complex technical and commercial challenges.
- You thrive when balancing strategy, planning, and execution.
- You want to work to make a difference.
What It Takes
- 10+ years of related estimating, construction, project management, operations, or utility infrastructure experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience estimating or executing overhead transmission construction projects.
- Strong understanding of transmission construction means and methods, including: Transmission structures Steel poles Lattice towers Conductor installation Stringing operations Foundations Access roads Right-of-way construction Utility infrastructure
- Experience reviewing plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
- Negotiation and contract review experience.
- Experience preparing detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, schedules, labor forecasts, and pricing strategies.
- Ability to evaluate project risks, constructability considerations, procurement challenges, and execution strategies.
- Experience mentoring, training, or leading estimating personnel.
- Utility construction experience preferred.
- Project management experience preferred.
- Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills.
- Experience with estimating software and construction cost management tools preferred.
- Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to travel approximately 25% for jobsite visits, pre-bid meetings, customer meetings, and preconstruction activities.
Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.—where you don't just build projects, you build a career.
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