Commercial Electrical Estimator

Company Description

McDonell Electric, Inc. is a Santa Rosa, California-based commercial and industrial electrical contractor specializing in winery and commercial food-space projects across Sonoma and Napa counties. The company is a full-service design-build contractor, delivering projects ranging from single-family homes to complex industrial food-production facilities. McDonell Electric operates a UL 508A industrial control panel shop, engineering and building control panels in its 5,000 SF Santa Rosa facility.

The team provides energy audits, preventative maintenance, lighting retrofits, service upgrades, and medium-voltage work, as well as full-service solar EPC solutions to design, build, maintain, and modernize solar power systems. Applicants can expect to join a skilled group of journeymen and professionals focused on quality, efficiency, and long-term client relationships.

This is a full-time, on-site Commercial Electrical Estimator role based in Santa Rosa, CA. The Commercial Electrical Estimator will prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial and industrial electrical projects, with a strong focus on winery, food-processing, and related facilities. Day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing plans and specifications, performing material and labor takeoffs, soliciting and evaluating vendor and subcontractor quotes, and developing competitive bids and proposals.

The role will coordinate closely with project managers, engineers, and field supervisors to refine estimates, support value engineering options, and track costs against budgets. Additional responsibilities include participating in pre-bid meetings, updating estimating databases, and assisting with change order pricing and scope clarifications throughout the project lifecycle.

• Strong proficiency in Electrical Estimating and Cost Control, including material and labor takeoffs, bid preparation, and budget development.
• Experience in Electrical Contracting within commercial or industrial environments, ideally including wineries, food-processing, or similar facilities.
• Solid understanding of Electricity fundamentals and Electrical Engineering concepts as they apply to power distribution, lighting, controls, and solar systems.
• Familiarity with estimating software, construction drawings, and specifications, with the ability to interpret one-line diagrams and panel schedules.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy under deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with project managers, field teams, vendors, and clients.
• Prior experience with design-build projects, UL 508A control panels, or solar EPC work is a plus.
• Preferred:
  Associate or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.