Controls Estimator

Job Title: Controls Integration Estimator Job Description We are seeking a skilled Controls Estimator specializing in industrial automation and data center projects. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing comprehensive instrumentation and controls proposals, thereby enabling competitive and technically sound bids. Responsibilities + Review client specifications, drawings, and scope documents to define project requirements for control systems. + Develop detailed cost estimates and proposals covering PLC systems, SCADA platforms, and HMI development. + Perform material takeoffs and build Bills of Materials (BOMs) aligned to project scope. + Evaluate P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control narratives to determine system architecture and quantities. + Develop labor estimates for engineering, programming, panel fabrication, installation, and commissioning. + Collaborate with internal engineering teams, vendors, and distributors to obtain accurate pricing and validate technical design. + Compile and deliver client-facing proposals and bid packages with clear scope, assumptions, and pricing detail. + Identify gaps, risks, and value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness and profitability. + Support pre-bid meetings, client discussions, and scope clarification as needed. + Maintain pricing databases, templates, and estimating tools for consistency across projects. Essential Skills + Experience in instrumentation & controls or industrial automation within an integrator, OEM, or contractor environment. + Prior experience in estimating, proposal development, or project costing. + Strong understanding of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, control panels, I/O architecture, networking, and field devices. + Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation. + Familiarity with vendor ecosystems such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens. + Strong Excel and estimating tool capabilities. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Experience with data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial projects. + Exposure to greenfield projects, especially in design-build or EPC environments. + Experience in panel design or controls engineering is a significant advantage. + Experience with commissioning scope and startup activities. Work Environment This role requires a detail-oriented and analytical mindset with the ability to work with evolving specifications. The estimator will operate at the intersection of engineering, sales, and operations to ensure projects are scoped correctly, priced accurately, and positioned to win. The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, encouraging communication and commercial acumen to balance technical accuracy with competitive. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Plano, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr. 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 hybrid position in Plano,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 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.