Senior Project Cost Estimator

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation who envision a future of energy independence using resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, a hybrid work environment and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.

Job Summary:

Urban Grid is seeking a Senior Project Cost Estimator plays a crucial role at Urban Grid by planning & leading cost estimating efforts of utility scale solar projects.  The incumbent shall apply standard estimating concepts, practices, and company procedures in developing estimates and provide guidance & leadership to project delivery, project development, and valuation teams on capex related topics.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of comprehensive cost estimates for utility scale solar projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead costs, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Develop different Classes of estimates based on the project stage gate.
• Build engagement models with 3rd party estimators. Review & own estimates developed by them.
• As SME, advise various teams including early development, M&A, valuation, etc.  on matters pertaining to Capex.
• Present & defend estimates with stakeholders including senior management, lenders, parent company representatives, etc.
• Tools / Modeling
• Develop/ enhance/ upkeep cost estimating models. Collaborate with development, performance, delivery, construction and engineering teams to proof check models
• Develop & implement input requirements checklist for different classes of estimates
• Prepare estimating take offs from drawings and specifications working with engineering
• Develop and implement mechanisms to apply inflation / escalation to estimates
• Create basis of estimate documents and presentation
• Data collection & Benchmarking: Develop and implement benchmarking mechanisms to benchmark estimates

• Gather and analyze As-built / As-contracted data from past projects
• Maintain cost matrices and databases – state wise, utility wise
• Develop & maintain market intelligence on prices & capacities of commodities, labor in different states, equipment, key vendors, etc.
• Connect with internal teams to keep pulse on current market
• Maintain cost estimation lessons learned data base and refine estimates based on the same.
• Contingency – collaborate with project teams to identify risks that could impact cost. Use quantitative / qualitative techniques to estimate risk based contingency requirement and accuracy ranges for the project
• Run constructability workshops to document challenges in construction and its impact on cost
• Participate in RFP cycles to review bid estimates and analyze data, provide clarifications to bidders
• Provide support to project managers in reviewing change orders by contractors during construction
• Run monthly cost estimation guidance calls for alignment with broader organization

Location: Based in Houston, TX with a hybrid/ remote work schedule. Occasional travel.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in cost estimation
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Solar project estimation
• Detailed knowledge of estimating fundamentals.
• Demonstrated understanding of Fixed Price, Time & Materials, Cost Plus and Unit contract pricing mechanisms.
• Proficiency in utilizing estimation software and tools, such as RSMeans, PVWatts, B2W, WinEst or equivalent
• Experience of creating & upkeep of standard estimating models
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field.
• Professional certification in cost estimation will be an added advantage
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to think and work independently, effectively, and efficiently.

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.