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Senior Estimator

Trimble • Full-time • Remote (California, United States, US) • $170k - $180k / year • 1d ago

What You'll Do

Analyze RFPs, RFQs, construction drawings, and technical specifications to define project scope and bid requirements
Build comprehensive cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services for substation and electrical infrastructure projects
Identify cost risk areas and develop appropriate contingencies and mitigation strategies within each estimate
Issue scope packages and bid documents to subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive pricing
Review and validate subcontractor and vendor quotes for accuracy, completeness, and scope alignment
Prepare bid clarifications, proposal narratives, and submission documents for client delivery
Develop detailed electrical cost estimates for data center power delivery, mission-critical facilities, and large-scale EPC project
Support preconstruction planning and early-stage conceptual budgeting on prospective projects
Build work breakdown structures and establish cost code frameworks for each estimate
Integrate risk analysis and contingency planning into all bid submissions
Perform quantity takeoffs from engineering drawings using Bluebeam and other digital tools
Coordinate subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure full scope coverage and timely responses
Maintain and update historical cost databases and benchmarking tools to support accurate and consistent pricing
Support the estimating-to-project management handoff post-award, ensuring cost and scope integrity
Contribute to project cash flow forecasting and financial planning during bid and preconstruction phases
Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks to capture site-specific conditions and inform cost assumptions
Work closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams throughout the bid process
Communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications clearly to internal and external stakeholders
Keep bid files organized and current - drawings, specs, correspondence, and clarifications

What You'll Bring

Degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related field - or equivalent hands-on experience
5+ years of estimating experience in utility, substation, or electrical infrastructure - we care more about what you know than how long you've been doing it.
Solid understanding of construction means and methods for electrical and substation work
Proficiency in estimating software - Accubid, Trimble, InEight/Hard-Dollar, ConEst, or equivalent
Strong Excel and Bluebeam skills for takeoffs and cost modeling
Ability to read and interpret one-lines, three-lines, general arrangement drawings, and technical specifications
Experience estimating data center, industrial, or mission-critical electrical projects is a strong asset.
Comfortable managing multiple bids simultaneously under tight deadlines
Detail-oriented, analytically strong, and committed to getting the number right