Senior Estimator (Richland, MS)

About Us

Irby Construction Company has been building infrastructure for the power industry for more than 75 years. Our business values and performance-driven mindset guide our actions. Our approach to work starts with safety, puts people first, seeks to innovate, and promises to perform.

Irby is proud of its inclusive work environment, family-oriented culture, excellent benefits, and clear pathways for career growth. We strive to provide every employee with clear expectations and opportunities for advancement. What’s more, Irby has long long-valued tenure. In fact, many of our executive leaders started with Irby early in their careers and in the field.

When you join our team, you join an established firm, with a culture centered around its people. Teamwork is how we work. There is no other way. Pride is ever-present inside our offices and the bond of brotherhood runs strong among our crews. 

Irby Construction is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quanta Services. That means team Irby gets the benefits of the company culture we’re known for along with the stability and resources of a Fortune 500 organization. (NYSE: PWR). 

Build your career at Irby Construction.

About this Role

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the estimation process for complex projects, mentoring junior estimators, and ensuring accuracy and competitiveness in bids. This role requires advanced technical knowledge, analytical ability, and strong leadership skills to support strategic project acquisition and execution.

What You'll Do

• Review and validate estimates prepared by junior estimators.
• Develop and maintain estimation standards and procedures.
• Negotiate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to Estimator I and II team members.
• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Identify high-risk cost areas and recommend contingencies or mitigation strategies.
• Review RFPs, RFQs, drawings, and specifications to determine project scope and requirements.
• Ensure that scope requests and contract information are distributed to potential subcontractors for pricing quotes.
• Validate subcontractor and vendor pricing for accuracy and scope alignment.
• Develop bid clarifications and proposal documents for submission to clients.
• Develop detailed electrical cost estimates for data centers and other large EPC projects.
• Participate in preconstruction planning and conceptual budgeting during early project development stages.
• Create work breakdown structures and cost code alignment for estimates.
• Incorporate risk analysis and contingency planning into estimates.
• Maintain historical cost data and update estimating databases for accuracy.
• Review drawings, specifications, and design documents to identify scope and potential cost impacts.
• Perform quantity take-offs using Bluebeam and/or other digital tools.
• Manage vendor and subcontractor pricing, ensuring comprehensive and timely coverage.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and historical records to support pricing consistency and continuous improvement.
• Lead forecasting of cost and cash flow for projects.
• Support handoff from estimating to project management post-award, ensuring scope clarity and cost integrity.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and trade partners to ensure estimating accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Lead pre-bid meetings and site walks to gather project details.
• Communicate estimate assumptions, clarifications, and requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure estimates comply with company standards, client requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain organized bid folders containing drawings, specifications, correspondence, and clarifications.

What You'll Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in estimating, preferably in the utility, infrastructure, or civil construction industry.
• Expertise in estimation software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Experience in electrical estimating, preferably within data center, industrial, or mission-critical projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and modern estimating software (e.g., Accubid, Trimble, ConEst, or similar).
• Deep understanding of electrical systems, codes, and installation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, technical specifications, and schedules.
• Highly detail-oriented, analytical, and efficient in managing complex estimating tasks.

 

Preferred

• Familiarity with public works departments, utility companies, and government agencies (local, state, or federal).
• Experience with Department of Energy (DOE) or related infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for government bids.
• AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or equivalent certification preferred.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) – American Society of Professional Estimators.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI (preferred for senior estimators).
• OSHA Safety Certification (preferred).

 

Physical Qualifications

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to project sites for pre-bid meetings and site assessments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 20 pounds (e.g., project documents, laptop).
• Must be able to navigate construction sites safely when visiting field locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What You'll Get

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Multiple BCBS medical plan options, all with in-network preventive care covered at no cost, the same nationwide provider network, and access to virtual care for primary care, dermatology, general medical needs, and mental health support.
• Prescription Drug Coverage included with all medical plans, plus tools and advocacy support to help manage healthcare costs.
• Dental & Vision Coverage – Dental plans with 100% coverage for preventive care and orthodontia options for adults and children, plus vision coverage with annual exams and frame allowances.
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts – HSA options with Fidelity, Healthcare FSA, Limited Purpose FSA, and Dependent Care FSA (up to $7,500) to help you save on eligible healthcare and dependent expenses.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match – Immediate eligibility and vesting, with a company match of 100% on the first 3% and 50% on the next 3% (up to 4.5% total match).
• Life & Disability Insurance – Company-paid basic life and AD&D coverage, plus optional supplemental life insurance for employees and dependents. Short-term and long-term disability coverage helps protect your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential mental health, financial, family, and wellbeing support available at no cost to you and your household.
• Voluntary Benefits – Optional accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, home/auto insurance, and long-term care coverage.
• Employee Discounts & Community Support – Access to exclusive employee discounts and participation in Quanta Cares, a disaster relief fund supporting employees and families during times of need.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.