Electrical Estimator

Electrical Estimator

The Electrical Estimator prepares detailed and accurate cost estimates for electrical scopes on large capital construction projects while providing analytical and business support to senior staff. This role evaluates project documentation, applies industry standards, and incorporates current market pricing to develop reliable budget and market estimates, reconcile trade bids, and validate final costs. The position offers long-term involvement on a major construction program, significant exposure to leading contractors and consultants, and strong opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints, specifications, and other project documents to prepare detailed and accurate electrical cost estimates.
• Perform precise quantity takeoffs from available design documents for all relevant electrical systems and components.
• Apply union and trade construction cost standards to ensure estimates align with industry practices and project requirements.
• Develop final should cost estimates to validate trade contractor cost submissions and support fair, competitive pricing.
• Reconcile trade bid submissions with the project scope, market conditions, and established budgets, identifying and explaining variances.
• Source accurate and current pricing data from contractors, suppliers, and cost databases to keep estimates aligned with market trends.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and project teams to understand project scope and build strong working relationships with A/E firms.
• Support senior staff by identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements in estimating processes and project delivery.
• Maintain well-organized project documentation and file structures in accordance with internal standards and procedures.
• Support and help maintain the cost data library, ensuring that historical and current cost information remains accurate and accessible.
• Prepare cost reconciliations between multiple estimates at different project stages and clearly explain cost variances to stakeholders.
• Conduct site walks at the project location as needed to verify conditions, clarify scope, and refine estimates.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment, respond effectively to changes in scope or schedule, and manage multiple estimating tasks concurrently.
• Use estimating software and tools, including Acubid, RS Means, and other relevant platforms, to prepare and document estimates.
• Participate in bid evaluations, reviewing and comparing contractor proposals to ensure alignment with scope, budget, and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in electrical estimating, electrical construction, or closely related construction estimating roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or an equivalent discipline or combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience preparing detailed electrical cost estimates, including quantity takeoffs and trade reconciliations.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel as used in estimating, including building and maintaining complex estimating spreadsheets.
• Proficiency with IT tools including Microsoft Windows operating systems, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, and web-based platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with electrical estimation in construction, including preconstruction and bidding processes.
• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs from design drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical documentation and cost data.
• Sound decision-making abilities when evaluating bids, market conditions, and cost assumptions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present and explain estimate results clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Familiarity with union and trade construction cost standards as they apply to electrical work.
• Experience conducting or contributing to bid evaluations to compare and validate contractor proposals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with estimating software such as Acubid or similar electrical estimating platforms.
• Knowledge of NECA standards and practices, with prior association or familiarity with NECA resources considered beneficial.
• Experience using RS Means or similar cost databases for developing and validating cost estimates.
• Background in electrical construction, construction management, or preconstruction services on large capital projects.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal project teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain structured project files and cost data libraries.
• Effective presentation skills to communicate estimate results, assumptions, and variances to project stakeholders.
• Comfort working on long-duration projects with evolving scopes and multiple estimate iterations.
• Willingness to travel quarterly to Indianapolis, IN if working remotely from outside the immediate project area.

Work Environment

The role supports a major, long-term capital construction program with an anticipated timeline extending for several years, providing stability and continuity of work. The position operates primarily in a remote capacity, with candidates expected to be based in or near the Huntsville, Alabama area to access the job site for site walks and in-person meetings as needed. The team is growing to support significant local and regional projects, offering exposure to many leading contractors and consultants in the Huntsville market. Work is performed using standard office and estimating technologies, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, web-based platforms, and specialized estimating tools such as Acubid and RS Means. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with regular interaction among estimators, architects, engineers, and project stakeholders. Standard professional attire is appropriate for virtual meetings and on-site visits, with any additional site-specific safety gear provided or specified in accordance with project requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $67.31/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.