Data Center Estimator

Data Center Estimator Location: Remote

This role serves as a key technical advisor to both internal account teams and clients by translating customer requirements and RFP specifications into accurate, executable, and competitive solutions. The Data Center Estimator is responsible for the full estimating lifecycle, including reviewing bid documents, developing labor and material estimates, preparing technical documentation, and supporting project handoff to operations. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and hands-on knowledge of data center infrastructure environments. This position plays a critical role in ensuring project accuracy, operational success, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical advisor to sales teams and clients throughout the pre-sales, estimating, and proposal process.
• Review RFPs, drawings, specifications, and Statements of Work (SOW) to define project scope, assumptions, risks, and technical requirements.
• Prepare accurate material takeoffs, labor estimates, and pricing spreadsheets for structured cabling and data center infrastructure projects.
• Develop detailed Bills of Material (BOM) and Bills of Labor (BOL) for each opportunity.
• Coordinate with manufacturers, distributors, and vendors to obtain competitive material pricing and lead times.
• Create comprehensive Statements of Work (SOWs), including project assumptions, exclusions, terms, and conditions.
• Provide technical support during scope reviews, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and proposal discussions.
• Participate in proposal strategy meetings with management and sales teams to help develop competitive and winning solutions.
• Conduct site surveys as needed to evaluate existing infrastructure, pathways, equipment layouts, and constructability requirements.
• Ensure all estimates and designs align with customer requirements, industry standards, operational capabilities, and company margin goals.
• Collaborate with project management and operations teams during project kickoff meetings to ensure successful transition from estimating to execution.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and project records.
• Stay current with industry standards, manufacturer technologies, and emerging data center infrastructure trends.

Required Qualifications

• 13 years of experience in estimating, preferably within structured cabling, low voltage, or data center infrastructure environments.
• Strong ability to read and interpret: RFPs and SOWs, floor plans and construction drawings, cable pull schedules, run sheets and technical specifications.
• Working knowledge of copper, fiber optic, ISP, and OSP infrastructure systems.
• Familiarity with BICSI standards and structured cabling best practices.
• Experience with industry manufacturers such as AFL, Corning, Belden, Leviton, CommScope, Panduit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience using Bluebeam or similar construction/estimating software tools.
• Knowledge of Hot Aisle Containment (HAC) and Cold Aisle Containment (CAC) systems.
• Familiarity with conveyance systems and data center pathway infrastructure.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating large-scale data center or mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• BICSI certification or industry-related certifications preferred.
• Experience coordinating with general contractors, engineers, and construction teams.
• Understanding of construction sequencing and installation methodologies.

Ideal Candidate

• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Customer-focused with a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Skilled in analytical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• An effective communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable collaborating across sales, engineering, operations, and executive teams.
• Able to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.