Lead Estimator (Houston, TX)
Location: Houston, Texas
Country: United States
Category: Project Controls
Workplace Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Contract
Posted Date: July 23, 2026
Job ID: 650082
Job Description
Pay Range: $80-100/hour
Overview
We are seeking a Lead Estimator to join our team support our client's specialized energy initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on power grid and utility projects by providing expert cost estimating services across all phases, from early development through final closeout.
As a Lead Estimator, you will work on a diverse portfolio of investment delivery projects, varying in complexity and scale, while collaborating with industry?leading professionals. This is a full?time position, potentially based at the client site, that provides:
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A platform to showcase your expertise and unlock your full potential.
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Opportunities to contribute to world?class projects and deliver exceptional value.
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Collaboration with top?tier professional services teams.
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A competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits.
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Ability to develop estimates across all project phases (AACE Class 5 through Class 1).
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Prepare comprehensive estimate plans and basis of estimate documentation.
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Maintain and enhance the estimating database and develop benchmarking models.
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Review, validate, and provide feedback on estimates prepared by others.
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Identify potential issues early and take proactive actions to ensure project success.
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Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of estimating standards and procedures.
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Recommend strategies to advance technical expertise and best practices.
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Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with multiple client organizations.
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Develop detailed material take?offs to support estimate development.
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Perform complex estimating duties with minimal supervision.
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Take leadership in preparing large?scale and complex estimating assignment.
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Take the lead in the implementation and improvement of estimating standards and procedures.
Oil & gas Risk Management & Project Controls
Location
Various locations
Job Type
Full time
Ref
R?150294
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Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction, Finance or a related field, or 15 years of relevant experience, or alternatively 10+ years proven experience directly in Estimating environment.
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Certification with AACE, PMI or CMAA is preferred.
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Experience in Energy, Power Grid, or Utilities sectors preferred.
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Proficiency in estimating systems and tools, such as Experience with Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) or similar estimating software, working knowledge of Primavera P6.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and cost management systems.
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Comfortable utilizing IT tools including Internet/Intranet and Windows OS.
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Proficient in quantitative risk analysis techniques.
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Familiarity with stage?gated project execution processes.
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Strong knowledge of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) scopes from both cost and schedule perspectives.
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Strong understanding of first principle estimating within the power, utilities, and infrastructure sectors.
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Ability to manage and support multiple active projects simultaneously.
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Understanding of industry best practices and methodologies.
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Clear, analytical approach to problem?solving with sound decision?making skills.
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Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
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Strong attention to detail with the ability to self?check work for accuracy.
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Excellent communication skills for interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
EEO Statement
The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process, and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet domain (@theplanetgroup.com or @launchcg.com) - and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org, or .jobs.
The Planet Group and our companies are equal opportunity employers. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.
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About The Planet Group
The Planet Group is a global professional services firm delivering strategic staffing and advisory solutions. We operate at the intersection of talent and transformation – connecting the right people with the right opportunities in the areas of technology, engineering, accounting & finance, digital marketing, and manufacturing.
As one of the largest staffing companies in the US, we operate with a global reach and a performance-first mindset. We partner with clients to move fast, stay agile, and drive measurable results – building high-impact teams that fuel transformation and growth.