Senior Project Cost Analyst

Position Summary

Join our dynamic team as a Senior Project Cost Analyst, where you will play an essential role in evaluating and forecasting costs for large-scale solar and energy storage projects. This position supports the entire project lifecycle, from early feasibility studies to final execution, ensuring accuracy in costs, competitive market alignment, and overall financial viability. You'll be responsible for developing comprehensive cost models, analyzing contractor proposals, and supporting strategic decisions across various work scopes, including civil, electrical, and structural components.

Collaboration with internal teams—such as development, engineering, procurement, and project management—is critical to providing high-quality, data-driven estimates. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in construction estimating, with specific experience in renewable energy infrastructure and utility-scale projects. Regular presence at our Bay Area office is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Estimation and Analysis
  • Develop detailed cost estimates for large solar and battery storage projects, covering site grading, foundations, mounting systems, cabling, substations, and grid interconnections.
  • Review and compare subcontractor and supplier bids to validate cost competitiveness.
  • Build and maintain cost databases, unit price libraries, and productivity benchmarks specific to solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) work.
  • Deliver conceptual, budgetary, and detailed cost estimates to support all project stages.
  • Prepare contingency assessments and sensitivity analyses for effective cost risk management.
• Market Research and Data Management
  • Maintain accurate historical cost data and project metrics records.
  • Analyze market trends regarding equipment, materials, and labor to define pricing strategies.
  • Track regional cost variations and prevailing wage requirements, ensuring compliance with labor and apprenticeship standards.
  • Validate estimates through benchmarking against recognized industry and public-sector data sources.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate design alternatives and their cost impacts.
  • Support procurement processes through bid evaluation and vendor negotiations.
  • Provide cost input for key project development activities such as site selection, permitting, and grid interconnection.
  • Communicate findings and present cost summaries, value engineering options, and risk evaluations to management.
• Processes and Tools
  • Utilize estimating software and internal modeling tools for accurate cost forecasting.
  • Develop standardized templates, assumptions, and protocols to ensure internal consistency in estimation processes.
  • Recommend enhancements to estimation methodologies and overall project cost controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related technical field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, or EPC construction projects.
• Strong understanding of solar PV and battery storage technologies, including key components and installation techniques.
• Familiarity with regional labor markets, wage compliance, and productivity benchmarking.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating tools; knowledge of scheduling software like Primavera P6 or MS Project is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with a keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• A proven ability to manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of construction contract structures (lump sum, unit price, EPC).
• Demonstrated capacity to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate risks through value engineering.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary range of $125,000 - $160,000 plus a 15% bonus. Comprehensive benefits include health coverage, a retirement plan (401k match up to 5%) with employer contribution, and paid time off. Enjoy flexible work options within a collaborative, mission-driven culture. Seize the opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable development.