Senior Estimator

Overview

Lightsource bp is on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by a proven track record in solar development. For over a decade we’ve pursued sustainable and responsible renewable power to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help decarbonize the world. Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024. This is a hybrid role that must be performed out of Lightsource bp's Austin, Denver, or San Francisco office.

The Senior Estimator will support Lightsource bp’s projects from development through construction, with primary focus on late-stage development and EPC contracting. The Senior Estimator will prepare cost estimates and formulate cost estimation strategies, and will play a key role during the EPC bidding and award stages by ensuring EPC bids are coherent and compliant with project needs. The position requires a highly detailed professional with strong project estimating experience in the renewables industry, and the ability to think and act strategically in pursuit of goals.

The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects at the same time.

Cost Estimation, Analysis & Strategy

• Analyze project plans, specifications, site conditions, and technical requirements to accurately scope work and forecast costs.
• Develop detailed, bottom-up cost estimates for solar PV and BESS projects, covering equipment, materials, labor, subcontractor services, permitting, logistics, and contingency factors.
• Track pricing trends, supplier quotes, labor market rates, and risk factors into estimation models.

Project Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and development teams to understand project specifics and constraints.
• Participate in design reviews, value engineering sessions, and risk assessments to optimize project costs without compromising quality.

Proposal Support

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure estimates reflect commercial, financial, and legal requirements.
• Review and analyze EPC bids to ensure compliance with project requirements and accuracy of pricing.
• Support negotiations with internal team and EPC contractors to clarify scope and resolve pricing issues.
• Review and evaluate subcontractor bids and integrate them into overall project cost estimates.

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and update estimation databases, cost models, and historical project data to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify trends, lessons learned, and benchmarking opportunities to enhance estimating methodologies and practices.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare detailed estimation reports, assumptions, and supporting documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all estimates comply with company policies and quality standards.

Who we’re looking for

• College degree with preference for Engineering, Supply Chain, Construction or Business Management
• Experience working in the utility-scale renewable energy industry
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Business fluent proficiency in English

• Experience in developing complex project estimates for PV and BESS Projects.
• Strong understanding of the renewable energy industry construction standards, means and methods.
• Sound knowledge of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook and SAP
• Proficiency in cost estimating software (such as Bluebeam)
• Detailed analytical skills to review multiple bids, quotes, plans, specifications and contracts
• Project management ability with the skills to prioritize amongst multiple estimates and coordinate with key internal stakeholders
• Ability to communicate to all levels within the organization, key stakeholders as well as external vendors

• Attention to detail and avoiding estimating errors
• Proactive problem solving through anticipating challenges
• Integrity and reliability in developing cost estimates
• Adaptability through adjusting estimates to reflect project updates
• Strong collaboration skills with key stakeholders
• Continuous learning through staying up to date with latest estimating techniques
• Confidence and assertiveness in explaining…