Electrical Estimator

Sr. Electrical Estimator, 100% Remote
The Sr. Electrical Estimator / Cost Manager plays a key role in preconstruction and MEP cost management, developing conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for electrical scopes across large, high-impact construction programs, with a particular focus on data centers. This position supports early project planning, budget development, and value engineering, helping clients make informed cost decisions as designs evolve. The role is ideal for an electrical estimating professional with strong trades-level experience who enjoys influencing budgets and guiding complex projects from early development through delivery.
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Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for electrical scopes across multiple preconstruction projects.
• Support budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, and value engineering for large, complex construction programs.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews on estimates to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project goals.
• Plan estimating workloads, manage tasks, and coordinate deliverables to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Conduct value analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize electrical design and construction approaches.
• Reconcile change orders, invoices, and cost impacts with general contractors, subcontractors, and third-party stakeholders.
• Provide post-contract cost support, including bid analysis, change management, and ongoing cost monitoring.
• Participate in risk and value management evaluations, providing insight into cost, schedule, and scope implications.
• Mentor and support estimators and estimating technicians, strengthening their technical skills and understanding of estimating procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication, reliable cost guidance, and responsive service.
• Prepare client-facing reports, milestone estimates, and executive-ready summaries that clearly communicate cost assumptions and outcomes.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, project controls teams, and leadership to ensure alignment on budgets, cost strategies, and project priorities.
• Participate in peer reviews of estimates and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the cost management function.
• Stay informed on local market conditions, construction trends, and industry best practices to keep estimates current and competitive.
• Support bidding and take-off activities for electrical and low-voltage scopes, including detailed quantity surveying for commercial construction projects.
• Apply MEP and electrical construction knowledge to guide project budgets and cost decisions across multiple market sectors, with emphasis on data centers.

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Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in electrical estimating from a subcontractor environment.
• Strong experience in conceptual estimating and early project planning for complex construction projects.
• Deep technical understanding of electrical scopes, systems, and construction methodologies, including low-voltage and commercial construction.
• Proven experience supporting large, high-impact construction programs across multiple market sectors, particularly data centers.
• Ability to read and interpret construction schedules, drawings, and specifications to inform accurate electrical estimates.
• Advanced proficiency with cost estimating methods, tools, and processes used in MEP and electrical construction.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to build and manage detailed estimating models and cost reports.
• Comfort and proficiency with modern estimating and project tools such as Accubid, Bluebeam, and Procore.
• Ability to analyze incomplete or evolving design information and provide clear, defensible cost guidance to clients and project teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing client-facing reports and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple preconstruction projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy, detail, and value optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with general contractors, subcontractors, cost consultants, and project controls teams.

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Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as an estimator or cost consultant in MEP and electrical construction, including quantity surveying and commercial construction estimation.
• Understanding in project budgets, bidding, and take-offs for electrical and low-voltage systems.
• Experience working within a national or multi-regional cost management or project management consultancy environment.
• Comfort engaging in risk and value management sessions and presenting cost recommendations to leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor junior estimators and estimating technicians, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing.
• Interest in continuous learning and professional development, supported by access to ongoing education platforms.
• Strong client-facing presence with the ability to build long-term relationships and serve as a trusted cost advisor

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $75.11/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 Sep 14, 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.