Project Estimator (Sr. - Principal) | GENERATION Site Development & Construction

Job Posting End Date

07-06-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Under some supervision, responsible for performing highly technical estimating evaluations for complex projects and outage activities in a safe, efficient and economical manner. This group is responsible for ensuring compliance to defined project estimating and scope control procedures; establishing the process of gathering and integrating estimate and cost information to build master estimating cost models and databases; mentor and train the organization on proper development of project estimates; and developing criteria for estimation and use of project and portfolio contingency. Work with project stakeholders (i.e. project management, engineering, planning, contractors, etc.) to develop, implement and continuously improve estimating and scope change management processes.

Job Description

More Specific to This Opportunity:

-Prepare detailed cost estimates for power generation projects, including new builds, upgrades, retrofits, and maintenance scopes.

-Analyze drawings, specifications, and bid documents for civil, electrical, and mechanical components.

-Perform quantity take-offs for structural, piping, electrical systems, and equipment installations.

-Develop conceptual, budgetary, and definitive estimates at various project stages.

-Identify cost risks, contingencies, and value engineering opportunities.

-Review engineering designs to ensure completeness and constructability.

-Collaborate with engineering teams to clarify scope and resolve discrepancies.

-Evaluate construction methods, materials, labor requirements, and equipment needs.

-Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Develop or oversee the development of conceptual estimates for assigned projects; support the planning and engineering groups in the development of all levels of estimates; and collect and analyze close out benchmarking data.

- Interface with engineering, outage planning, project engineering/management, construction, plant personnel and project controls-scheduling to identify/initiate, scope, status and follow-up (if necessary) estimate efforts. This includes providing recommendations and guidance to interfacing groups/individuals regarding estimate approach and input requirements.

- Establish policies and procedures for allocating risk-based contingency; monitor labor market trends; work closely with procurement to track equipment pricing trends; develop and analyze historical records of project costs; review and critique designs and specifications for cost effectiveness and suggests alternatives when appropriate.

- Implement policies and procedures defined in project estimating methods developed by the controls group for the long-range planning and capital development process; develop and maintain standardized processes and procedures for estimating; review estimate basis and assumptions for completeness and reasonableness; work with functional departments and service organization to develop services labor and material estimates.

- Provide advanced technical direction and guidance regarding estimate approach/development, assumptions/qualifications, and resolution of estimate issues.

- Plan, instruct, and/or coordinate the training and development of estimating employees, as required.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Based on education, experience, interview and internal equity, this opportunity will be filled at either title. For this posting, minimum requirements are stated at the lower grade. Increased expectations are at the higher grade.

Project Estimator Principal (grade 8): Base Salary = $99K - $121K

Project Estimator Sr. (grade 7): Base Salary = $88K - $109K

Education: BS or BA Engineering, Construction Sciences, Engineering Technology equivalent discipline. A minimum of six (6) years of estimating experience that includes cost estimating for heavy industrial/process, power generation and/or transmission.

Non-degreed applicants will be considered with a minimum of eight (8) years of either experience or combined college & experience as described below.

Work Experience: Estimating experience that includes cost estimating for heavy industrial/process and/or power generation; strong knowledge of current market pricing trends and construction execution for capital projects. Sound knowledge of estimating software packages.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Physical demand level is Sedentary

- Develop and demonstrate a high-level of confidence in the ability to lead a team and a project to successful conclusion.

- Develop and demonstrate outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with all stakeholders including team members, sponsors, management and senior management.

- Develop and demonstrate an economic and business acumen with an understanding of the engineering & design, procurement, contracting, estimating, construction and startup procedures and processes.

- Develop and demonstrate strategic thinking, planning, risk assessment and prioritization of project activities skills.

- Support the organization of project activities, delegate project task assignments, set team requirements and expectations to manage deliverables and hold team members accountable.

- Develop and demonstrate conflict management skills to resolve disputes and to maximize synergies with an overriding goal to do the "right thing" for the company.

- Develop and demonstrate an understanding of scope management.

- Assist with the evaluation and determination of the skill sets and capabilities of and team members then provide recommendations to ensure project success.

- Possess high level of proficiency and advanced knowledge of construction methodologies.

- Position may require extended hours to accomplish assigned tasks and meet project/outage requirements and schedules.

- Develop and demonstrate ability to maintain a professional working atmosphere.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Base Salary: approximately $88K - $121K

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive Total Rewards including: discretionary annual incentive, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

WHO WE ARE

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)

$88K - $121K / Year

#AEPCareers

#LI-ONSITE

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-007

Compensation Range:

$87,633.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.  

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.