E&I Construction Estimator
Job Description
**Position Summary**
The Electrical \& Instrumentation (E\&I) Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical and instrumentation construction projects in industrial environments such as oil \& gas, petrochemical, power generation, and manufacturing facilities. The estimator evaluates project plans, specifications, and scope requirements to develop detailed cost projections including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
This role works closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams to ensure estimates reflect project scope, risk, and execution strategy.
**Key Responsibilities**
* Review engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
* Prepare detailed cost estimates for electrical and instrumentation construction including:
* + Cable tray and conduit installation
+ Power distribution systems and switch gear
+ Motor control centers (MCCs), PLC, DCS, XFMRs, Inverters
+ Instrumentation and control systems, Automation \& Controls
+ Field instruments and analyzers (typically level, flow, temp and pressure)
+ Marshalling panels and Remote IO panels
+ Cable pulling and terminations
* Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications and create verified BOMs. Support coinciding work groups.
* Develop labor hour estimates using historical data, productivity rates, and industry standards.
* Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
* Prepare material takeoffs and pricing for electrical and instrumentation components.
* Identify project risks, assumptions, and exclusions in estimates.
* Participate in bid strategy and review meetings with management.
* Support the preparation of bid proposals, cost breakdowns, and scope clarifications.
* Maintain and update estimating databases and historical cost information.
* Coordinate with project managers and engineers during estimate handoff and project kickoff.
* Assist with change order estimates and project cost evaluations when required.
**Required Qualifications**
* 5–10\+ years of experience in electrical and instrumentation construction or estimating including experience time within the EPC arena.
* Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and instrumentation installation.
* Ability to read and interpret:
* + Electrical one\-line diagrams
+ Instrument loop diagrams
+ P\&IDs
+ Construction drawings and specifications
* Must be able to travel to project sites, client meetings, and pre\-bid walkdowns.
* Experience with estimating software and spreadsheets.
* Knowledge of labor productivity factors and construction methods.
* Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
* Self\-starter with a motivated attitude able to handle dynamic workloads.
* Must follow all company and site rules and regulations.
* Commitment to Richard values, safety rules, and regulations.
* Familiarity and capability working with and developing schedules and understanding lead times and required work loads and resource loading.
* Regular and reliable attendance.
**Preferred Experience**
* \>10 Years Experience.
* Bachelors Degree in Science or relevant area, or PMP.
* Experience in refinery, petrochemical, Terminal, Compressor Stations, LNG, power, or heavy industrial projects.
* Familiarity with Trimble\-Accubid software, AutoCAD, Adobe, Aspen.
* Familiarity with NEC codes and industrial electrical standards.
* Experience estimating turnarounds, capital projects, or EPC projects.
* Knowledge of instrumentation calibration, installation, and commissioning requirements.
**Physical Requirements**
* Employee will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting
* Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, and push or pull objects such as materials, controls, and tools
* Will be required to lift, carry and move objects up to 50 lbs in weight
* Will work at heights, climb ladders and stairways, and capable of occasional work off of platforms/scaffolding using the appropriate fall protection requirements
* Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, earplugs/muffs, safety vests, gloves, steel toe/safety toe boots, and masks/respirators
**Work Environment**
* This position primarily is performed from RDS's Houston Office, but may be posted temporarily on project sites, when required. Field site visits will be required regularly.
* Typical work days will be Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm (flexibility and travel will be a factor).
RDS is dedicated to providing a SAFE and Drug Free environment.
RDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).
The Electrical \& Instrumentation (E\&I) Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical and instrumentation construction projects in industrial environments such as oil \& gas, petrochemical, power generation, and manufacturing facilities. The estimator evaluates project plans, specifications, and scope requirements to develop detailed cost projections including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
This role works closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams to ensure estimates reflect project scope, risk, and execution strategy.
**Key Responsibilities**
* Review engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
* Prepare detailed cost estimates for electrical and instrumentation construction including:
* + Cable tray and conduit installation
+ Power distribution systems and switch gear
+ Motor control centers (MCCs), PLC, DCS, XFMRs, Inverters
+ Instrumentation and control systems, Automation \& Controls
+ Field instruments and analyzers (typically level, flow, temp and pressure)
+ Marshalling panels and Remote IO panels
+ Cable pulling and terminations
* Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications and create verified BOMs. Support coinciding work groups.
* Develop labor hour estimates using historical data, productivity rates, and industry standards.
* Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
* Prepare material takeoffs and pricing for electrical and instrumentation components.
* Identify project risks, assumptions, and exclusions in estimates.
* Participate in bid strategy and review meetings with management.
* Support the preparation of bid proposals, cost breakdowns, and scope clarifications.
* Maintain and update estimating databases and historical cost information.
* Coordinate with project managers and engineers during estimate handoff and project kickoff.
* Assist with change order estimates and project cost evaluations when required.
**Required Qualifications**
* 5–10\+ years of experience in electrical and instrumentation construction or estimating including experience time within the EPC arena.
* Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems and instrumentation installation.
* Ability to read and interpret:
* + Electrical one\-line diagrams
+ Instrument loop diagrams
+ P\&IDs
+ Construction drawings and specifications
* Must be able to travel to project sites, client meetings, and pre\-bid walkdowns.
* Experience with estimating software and spreadsheets.
* Knowledge of labor productivity factors and construction methods.
* Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
* Self\-starter with a motivated attitude able to handle dynamic workloads.
* Must follow all company and site rules and regulations.
* Commitment to Richard values, safety rules, and regulations.
* Familiarity and capability working with and developing schedules and understanding lead times and required work loads and resource loading.
* Regular and reliable attendance.
**Preferred Experience**
* \>10 Years Experience.
* Bachelors Degree in Science or relevant area, or PMP.
* Experience in refinery, petrochemical, Terminal, Compressor Stations, LNG, power, or heavy industrial projects.
* Familiarity with Trimble\-Accubid software, AutoCAD, Adobe, Aspen.
* Familiarity with NEC codes and industrial electrical standards.
* Experience estimating turnarounds, capital projects, or EPC projects.
* Knowledge of instrumentation calibration, installation, and commissioning requirements.
**Physical Requirements**
* Employee will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting
* Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, and push or pull objects such as materials, controls, and tools
* Will be required to lift, carry and move objects up to 50 lbs in weight
* Will work at heights, climb ladders and stairways, and capable of occasional work off of platforms/scaffolding using the appropriate fall protection requirements
* Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, earplugs/muffs, safety vests, gloves, steel toe/safety toe boots, and masks/respirators
**Work Environment**
* This position primarily is performed from RDS's Houston Office, but may be posted temporarily on project sites, when required. Field site visits will be required regularly.
* Typical work days will be Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm (flexibility and travel will be a factor).
RDS is dedicated to providing a SAFE and Drug Free environment.
RDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).
Posted: 2026-04-22