Senior Cost Estimator

AFRY is one of the largest international energy sector consulting and engineering companies with about 18,000 experts working across the world to create sustainable solutions for future generations. In APAC region, we are a leading energy sector consulting engineering company executing our regional consultancy and engineering assignments from our offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Pune, Noida, Taipei, Beijing, Vientiane and Brisbane. In total, we have multinational staff of more than 500 working in energy sector in APAC.  

The Senior Cost Estimator is responsible for the preparation, development, validation, and continuous optimization of capital cost estimates for Transmission & Distribution (T&D) projects, including overhead lines, substations (AIS/GIS), HVDC systems, and underground/submarine cable systems.

The role supports feasibility studies, bidding, owner’s engineering assignments, and EPC/EPCM project delivery, ensuring accurate and bankable cost estimates aligned with international standards and client requirements.

Responsibilities

1. Cost Estimation & Modeling

• Develop Class 5 to Class 1 estimates (conceptual to detailed) in accordance with AACE/industry standards
• Prepare bottom-up cost models including:
  • Materials (conductors, towers, transformers, switchgear, cables)
  • Civil works (foundations, roads, buildings)
  • Installation & erection (stringing, erection, testing)
  • Engineering & project management costs
• Establish unit rate databases (€/km, €/MVA, €/bay, etc.) for T&D assets
• Build parametric and benchmark-based models for early-stage studies

2. Multi-Disciplinary Cost Integration

• Coordinate with:
  • Electrical (primary/secondary systems)
  • Civil & structural teams
  • Environmental & permitting specialists
• Integrate outputs from:
  • Load flow / grid studies
  • Routing & geotechnical surveys
  • Equipment specifications
• Translate technical designs into fully costed Bills of Quantities (BoQ)
• Develop CAPEX/OPEX breakdown structure

3. Cost Benchmarking & Market Intelligence

• Maintain and update global cost benchmarks:
  • Transmission lines (kV-specific €/km benchmarks)
  • Substations (€/bay, €/MVA)
  • HVDC systems and cables
• Analyze supplier quotations and historical project data
• Perform should-cost analysis and vendor comparison

4. Risk, Sensitivity & Scenario Analysis

• Develop and maintain:
  • Risk-adjusted cost models
  • Monte Carlo / probabilistic cost scenarios
• Conduct sensitivity analysis on:
  • Steel price
  • Labor productivity
  • Logistics and site conditions
  • Years
  • Countries
• Identify and quantify key cost drivers and uncertainties

5. Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Prepare clear, client-facing cost reports, including:
  • Cost breakdown structures (CBS)
  • Assumptions & exclusions
  • Risk registers
• Present cost estimates to:
  • Clients
  • Lenders (for bankability assessments)

Technical Competencies

• Cost estimation standards:
  • AACE, CIGRE, World Bank / MDB frameworks
• Strong knowledge of:
  • T&D equipment and construction methods
  • BoQ development and cost breakdown structures
• Advanced skills in:
  • Excel-based cost models (mandatory)
  • Cost databases and benchmark tools/software
• Familiarity with:
  • Contract types (FIDIC, EPC, turnkey)
  • Procurement and supply chain pricing dynamics

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master’s degree in electrical or civil engineering.
• Having minimum 10 years of relevant working experience as Cost estimator and Electrical engineer in Transmission & Distribution infrastructures (HV substations, Transmission lines, HVDC, subsea power cables,..)
• Having good communication skills to support Business Development and Clients’ interactions
• Any additional experience on the following fields is beneficial: HV substation or transmission line design, power system studies, earthing grid studies, lightning protection, ...
• Familiar with international codes and standards relevant to detailed electrical design for transmission and distribution assets such as IEC, IEEE/ANSI, NFPA standards.
• Familiar with local regulations and standards applicable to the Philippines for grid connection
• Demonstrated experience in previous assignments as cost estimator. Any additional proven capabilities in database software tools is necessary.
• Experience working within a national T&D company, and/or supporting similar projects within technical consultancy companies or experience working for a T&D Utility.
• Being a registered and certified engineer in the Philippines is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Having ability to manage works under time and resources constraints to finish works in time with good quality and having ability to work under pressure
• Having good logic of thinking, problem solving and willingness working in team.
• Good level in English communication is mandatory.
  
   

We offer the following to qualified candidates:

• Friendly international working environment with a wide variety of interesting and challenging tasks
• Competitive salary package
• Career opportunity in one of the largest international consulting and engineering companies
• Possibility to grow professionally and advance in career
• Possibility to work in international renewable energy projects

At AFRY, we engineer change in everything we do. Change happens when brave ideas come together. When we collaborate, innovate technology, and embrace challenging points of view. That’s how we're making future. We are actively looking for qualified candidates to join our inclusive and diverse teams across the globe. Join us in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable future.