Electrical Estimator

Job Title:

Electrical Estimator

Job Description

The Electrical Estimator prepares accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial, industrial, manufacturing, energy, and construction projects. This role analyzes project plans, specifications, and related documents to determine labor, material, equipment, and time requirements, and supports the full bid process from takeoff through handoff. The Electrical Estimator collaborates closely with project teams, vendors, and subcontractors, and may mentor junior estimators while contributing to continuous improvement across the organization.

Responsibilities

+ Review and interpret project documents, including drawings, specifications, and proposals, to determine project scope, requirements, and constraints.

+ Prepare detailed and comprehensive cost estimates by analyzing plans and specifications and identifying labor, material, equipment, and time requirements.

+ Bid on approximately 2 to 4 jobs per week and work toward achieving a target bid acceptance rate of around 40%.

+ Obtain bids and quotations from vendors and subcontractors by specifying materials, identifying qualified partners, and negotiating competitive pricing.

+ Evaluate offers and proposals by considering design changes, additions, site conditions, and other project-specific requirements.

+ Assemble, format, and present estimates clearly, using both numerical and descriptive information to support decision-making by project stakeholders.

+ Maintain and update cost databases by entering, validating, and backing up data to ensure accurate and current pricing information.

+ Conduct gap analyses at project closeout by comparing actual costs, profits, and timelines to the original estimates and schedules.

+ Develop and communicate lessons learned from completed projects to project managers, estimators, field leadership, and other stakeholders to reduce errors and repetitive issues.

+ Identify and recommend improvements to scheduling, quality, efficiency, communication, and internal procedures based on project performance and feedback.

+ Develop and maintain strong working relationships with project managers, superintendents, foremen, general foremen, other estimators, subcontractors, vendors, owners, and clients.

+ Maintain open and frequent communication with project teams, accounting, and other departments to ensure accurate pricing, scope alignment, and smooth project handoff.

+ Contribute to team goals by supporting related tasks and projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative mindset.

+ Cross-train across all facets of the commercial and industrial division to provide coverage for absent team members and to expand responsibilities over time.

+ Mentor or lead junior estimators and support staff, providing guidance on estimating processes, tools, and best practices as needed.

+ Coordinate with other departments and project teams to gather accurate project information, clarify scope, and resolve discrepancies prior to bid submission.

+ Travel to project sites for assessments, walkthroughs, and meetings to better understand field conditions and validate assumptions used in estimates.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience as determined by the employer.

+ Multiple years of construction or electrical contracting experience, with proven exposure to commercial and industrial projects.

+ Demonstrated experience as an estimator on commercial and industrial projects, with responsibility for full-cycle bid preparation.

+ Strong understanding of construction processes, electrical construction methods, and heavy industrial estimation practices.

+ Solid knowledge of electrical systems, electrical circuits, and electrical construction methodologies.

+ Proficiency with estimating software such as Accubid and other electrical estimating tools.

+ Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical drawings, and preconstruction documents.

+

Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and similar design or modeling tools used in estimating and preconstruction.

+ Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and related tools for estimate preparation and reporting.

+ Excellent analytical and quantitative skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

+ Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly present estimates and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.

+ Effective negotiation skills for working with vendors, subcontractors, and other partners.

+ Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple bids simultaneously, and maintain organized documentation.

+ Ability to perform the physical requirements of an office-based role, including prolonged computer use, and to occasionally visit construction sites involving walking, standing, and minor lifting.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in electrical estimation for commercial construction, industrial…