Sr. Data Center Estimating Engineer

Sr. Data Center Estimating Engineer

Job Category: Services - Support

Requisition Number: SRDAT008360

Location: Ashburn, VA

Description

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1B in revenue, and employ more than 5,800 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

NO Third party / C2C Candidates please - W-2 only

Job Summary

The Senior Data Center Estimator is responsible for evaluating and interpreting customer specifications, engineering documentation, scope requirements, and RFQs for data center construction and infrastructure projects. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, the ability to translate complex technical requirements into accurate cost models, and the confidence to present information clearly to leadership, customers, and cross-functional partners.

This is a non-supervisory leadership role within the Estimating Department, contributing heavily to bid development, cost strategy, and competitive analysis. The Senior Data Center Estimator prepares detailed proposals, guides peer estimators, and collaborates with Engineering, Operations, and other internal groups to ensure our offerings are cost-effective, accurate, and aligned with customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and quote packages for data center construction, infrastructure, and technology projects—including electrical, mechanical, cabling, and specialized systems.
• Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, and scope documents to determine material, engineering, equipment, subcontractor, and labor requirements.
• Develop project budgets including material costs, engineering estimates, installation labor, and overall project pricing models.
• Maintain and update estimating tools, cost databases, templates, and pricing models to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Partner with Engineering to interpret and refine the customer's Scope of Work, ensuring estimates align with technical and design requirements.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and subject-matter support to other Estimators within the department.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities and recommend alternatives that meet customer needs while supporting business objectives.
• Communicate with customers to clarify assumptions, confirm design intent, and ensure complete, accurate estimate packages.
• Collaborate with internal departments—including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Accounting, and Sales—to ensure consistent and accurate proposal submissions.
• Review preliminary engineering specifications and bills of materials for compliance with industry standards, data center best practices, customer requirements, and project scope.
• Assist Accounting and Operations with budget validation, cost analysis, and project handoff documentation.
• Support Operations in understanding estimating methodologies and installation assumptions.
• Partner with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment on service pricing, positioning, and customer communications.
• QA/QC

Personal Qualities

• Flexible: Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions, customer demands, and project requirements.
• Detail Oriented: Demonstrates precision and strong follow-through across all estimating activities.
• Independent: Effectively manages workload with limited supervision while maintaining high standards.
• Analytical / Problem Solving: Capable of advanced reasoning, complex cost modeling, and solution development.
• Results Focused: Driven to deliver accurate estimates and meet proposal deadlines.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Collaborates effectively across teams and communicates clearly at all levels.
• Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Qualifications

• BICSI RCDD, DCDC, CDCDP or equivalent Construction Management, or related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in estimating within data centers, mission-critical environments, electrical/mechanical trades, or similar technical fields.
• Must be able to present information and respond to questions from customers, leadership, and project stakeholders.
• Strong mathematical skills, including ability to calculate discounts, ratios, proportions, percentages, and labor productivity metrics.
• Ability to interpret complex instructions, drawings, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Must be capable of generating creative and practical solutions related to constructability, installation methods, and cost efficiency.
• Able to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and estimating/engineering tools such as Bluebeam, Visio, CAD, or similar.
• Technical understanding of data center infrastructure, power and cooling systems, fiber/copper installations, and/or telecommunications is required.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Occasional exposure to construction environments or materials when visiting job sites or suppliers.

Minimum Education - Preferred Degree or Type

Bachelor's Degree

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.