Electrical Cost Estimator - Data Center Construction (Anticipated Opening)

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Electrical Cost Estimator to support the delivery of large-scale, mission‑critical data center projects. This role is integral to the commercial planning and execution of highly technical facilities where electrical infrastructure represents a significant portion of overall project cost and risk.

The Electrical Cost Estimator will be responsible for preparing detailed electrical estimates for hyperscale data center projects, including high‑capacity power distribution, backup generation, and critical electrical systems. Working closely with engineers, contractors, and internal commercial teams, this role supports cost certainty, value optimization, and informed decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle.

Candidates for this role must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Remote work is permitted only from within the United States; candidates located outside the U.S. cannot be considered for remote employment. Preference will be given to candidates based in Pacific or Central U.S. time zones.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed electrical cost estimates for data center projects, including medium‑ and low‑voltage distribution, UPS systems, generators, switchgear, busway, grounding, and lighting.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and BIM models, including conduit, cable, busway systems, switchgear, transformers, generators, and associated infrastructure.
• Develop accurate labor, material, and equipment pricing models aligned with project budgets, delivery strategies, and market conditions.
• Maintain historical cost data, benchmarking tools, and estimating assumptions to support future projects.
• Review and analyze electrical contractor and subcontractor bids, identifying scope gaps, cost risks, and value improvement opportunities.
• Support value engineering and design optioneering, assessing alternative materials, system layouts, and installation methods while maintaining redundancy and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to inform electrical system decisions based on cost, constructability, schedule, and procurement impacts.
• Identify and assess risks related to long‑lead electrical equipment, labor availability, and market volatility.
• Account for regional cost variations across U.S. markets, including labor rates, logistics, permitting requirements, and utility infrastructure impacts.
• Support estimating for high‑capacity power infrastructure, including substations, utility tie‑ins, and campus‑wide electrical distribution.
• Contribute to standardized data center designs and repeatable delivery models to improve cost predictability and speed to market.
• Ensure electrical estimates align with applicable codes, safety standards, sustainability objectives, and energy efficiency requirements.
• Prepare clear, well‑documented estimating deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in cost reviews, procurement discussions, and commercial strategy sessions.
• Support change management by evaluating electrical scope changes and associated cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide estimating handover documentation to construction teams to support execution consistency.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5+ years of experience in electrical estimating, with strong preference for data center, mission‑critical, or large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Solid technical knowledge of power distribution systems, backup generation, UPS systems, electrical codes, and labor productivity.
• Experience estimating high‑density power or hyperscale facilities is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in estimating and takeoff tools such as Accubid, ConEst, McCormick, Bluebeam, or similar platforms; comfort working with BIM‑based information.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

The salary range for this role is $100,000K-$140,000 USD. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package.

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.