Entry-Level Substation Estimator - Michels Power, Inc.
Estimator – Substations
Location: East Syracuse, NY Employment Type: Full-Time
Estimating the Infrastructure That Powers the Grid
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 critical system, Michels Power, Inc. is behind the scenes making it happen.
Michels Power, Inc. is one of the largest and most respected power delivery contractors in the United States. We execute projects across substations, transmission, distribution modernization, renewable energy, and oil & gas infrastructure , as well as emergency power restoration.
Our Substation Group plays a critical role in building and maintaining the backbone of the electrical grid—from greenfield construction to complex brownfield upgrades.
Position Objective
The Estimator – Substations is responsible for evaluating bid specifications and drawings to ensure all requirements are fully understood and accounted for in order 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 and regulations
Review bid requirements for projects ranging from approximately $500K to $10M , ensuring full scope coverage
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for substation 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 during the estimating process
Collaborate with Project Management teams to follow up on bids, budgets, and award status
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 and 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)
0–3 years of related experience in estimating, utility, or electrical construction
Experience with negotiation and subcontractor coordination
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Desired Qualifications
Experience in substation, transmission, or utility 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 or power delivery contractors
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 and walking, along with desk-based tasks
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Work may include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, active construction sites, and moderate noise levels
Requires close vision, color vision, and focus adjustment
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 substation construction and grid modernization
Family-owned company with long-term stability
Invests approximately $5,000 per employee annually in training and development
Work on high-impact infrastructure projects across the U.S.
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)
Legal & Identity Protection Plans
Why You?
You enjoy evaluating complex electrical scopes and building competitive bids
You thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
You are detail-oriented and take pride in complete, accurate estimating work
You collaborate effectively with project teams and subcontractors
You want to contribute to infrastructure that powers communities and the grid
Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.—where you don’t just build projects, you build a career.
#LI-AS1 This information reflects the anticipated base salary for this position based on current market data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Actual pay will be adjusted based on individual’s skills, experiences, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Expected Salary Range $82,000 — $115,000 USD
AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability