Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

BUILD Renewables is a nationwide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company with a dedicated focus on utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. The company was formed due to the increasing demand for renewables with the objective of assembling high-performing project teams. Our goal is to hire the best people and offer them career opportunities that are unique to the industry. Learn more at

Position Overview 

The Estimator will generate and organize detailed estimates in support of strategically identified Renewables Energy (utility-scale solar and BESS) Project pursuits and sales. This individual will collaborate and work directly with both the Preconstruction and Operations teams to assemble and present detailed self-perform estimates for civil, structural, mechanical and electrical scopes of work; in support of overall Company growth and margin enhancement initiatives. 

Essential Functions 

• Ability to read and understand plans/drawings, specifications, supplier proposals, subcontractor quotes, and other pertinent documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates to ensure scope, schedule and bid price match.
• Review proposed schedules for establishing installation rates and general project execution.
• Create and manage detailed quantity and costs take-offs from either, conceptual, preliminary or detailed engineering packages.
• Prepare estimates / true-ups at different levels of project completion, as requested.
• Organize, research, and strategically plan for estimate preparation, pricing, scheduling, and final submission to the customer.
• Review options and recommend best solution based on cost, engineering, quality or availability of materials. 
• Facilitation and formulation of crew sizing, resources and productivity.
• Demonstrates proficiency in development, issuance and management of RFP’s to qualified vendors and subcontractors.
• Responsible for compiling comparison metrics to determine most commercially and technically compliant costs.
• Calculates various statistical data: quantity take-offs, material price lists, labor costs, equipment cost, and specialty items.
• Tracks and researches historical data (purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc.) and compiles summary reports and bridging documents to develop guidelines and precedence for future estimates.
• Works with Preconstruction Manager to review and approve components of the bid package, submittals and decisions through the process.
• Prepares and presents internal preview and final estimate review process with the Preconstruction Team.
• Communicates with site teams over the phone and in person at the project sites concerning items such as work methods, production requirements, and historical data. 
• Complies with BUILD Renewables Company policies and procedures and displays professional ethics in the bid process.
• Input, evaluate and manage all cost data within BUILD Renewables estimating software (HCSS).
• Track project clarifications and assumptions made during the estimating process.
• Assist the project team with generating project cost allocations.
• Other related responsibilities as assigned. 

Additional Functions

• Keep informed of new technologies and processes that could lower costs and/or improve quality. 
• Investigate and evaluate labor in the local and regional market to determine estimate requirements on wages, per-diem, housing, travel and other requirements necessary to ensure the estimate captures the appropriate plan and cost. 
• Ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure.
• Ability to work on multiple assignments simultaneously.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of renewable energy industry estimating experience, including knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control and material pricing.
• Proficient in HCSS, Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Outlook, and related software programs. 
• Conceptual estimating and solar design experience is required. 
• Positive, professional attitude with strong customer service skills.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Structured time management and self-motivated. 
• Strong teamwork orientation, initiative, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of in-office and remote work. 
• General work environment – sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending. Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. 
• Noise level is usually low to medium; it can be loud on the jobsite. 
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs. 
• We fully comply with the ADA and applicable state law, including considering reasonable accommodation measures that may enable qualified disabled applicants and employees to perform essential functions. 
• Travel as required for pre-construction site visits and to review current operations on projects under construction, expect to travel 5 to 10 times per year.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary 
• Opportunities for advancement 
• On-the-job training and mentorship
• Performance bonuses
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with Employer Match 
• Paid time off (PTO), vacation days, and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)