Estimator

Position Summary

The Estimator, Data Center Division is responsible for preparing accurate, detailed, and competitive estimates for Fire Alarm, VESDA/aspirating smoke detection, ERRCS, DAS, and related low-voltage life safety and communications scopes of work within the hyperscale data center market. This role is focused on estimating and preconstruction support, including drawing review, quantity takeoffs, proposal development, bid form completion, vendor and subcontractor pricing coordination, scope clarification, and handoff support to operations.

This is not a sales-focused role. The ideal candidate will be technically capable, detail-oriented, and experienced in reviewing complex construction documents, identifying scope requirements, developing labor and material estimates, and supporting the bid process from initial review through final proposal submission.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Takeoffs

• Review project drawings, specifications, addenda, bid instructions, owner requirements, and construction schedules to determine the full scope of work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for Fire Alarm, VESDA/aspirating smoke detection, ERRCS, DAS, and related low-voltage systems.
• Identify device counts, cable and fiber pathways, conduit requirements, head-end equipment, control panels, power supplies, batteries, modules, annunciators, interfaces, and specialty equipment.
• Develop labor estimates based on project complexity, installation environment, phasing, access requirements, productivity assumptions, and hyperscale data center construction conditions.
• Evaluate project-specific requirements such as commissioning, testing, programming, pre-functional checklists, integrated systems testing, closeout documentation, and site-specific safety or quality requirements.
• Review design documents for gaps, conflicts, constructability issues, and scope risks.

Proposal & Bid Preparation

• Prepare complete, clear, and accurate proposals that define included scope, exclusions, clarifications, assumptions, alternates, and qualifications.
• Complete customer-provided bid forms, pricing templates, scope sheets, unit price forms, and cost breakdowns.
• Support the preparation of ROM budgets, conceptual estimates, design-assist estimates, GMP pricing, and hard-bid estimates.
• Develop detailed cost summaries including material, labor, equipment, subcontractors, rentals, consumables, freight, taxes, permits, testing, engineering, commissioning, and project management support.
• Coordinate with internal leadership to review final pricing strategy, margins, risks, and scope coverage prior to submission.
• Ensure bid deadlines are met and proposal packages are complete, professional, and aligned with customer requirements.

Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

• Solicit, review, and level vendor and subcontractor quotations for materials, equipment, engineering, testing, programming, certification, and specialty scopes.
• Obtain pricing from manufacturers, distributors, subcontractors, professional engineers, DAS/ERRCS providers, and third-party testing agencies as needed.
• Review subcontractor proposals for scope completeness, exclusions, schedule impacts, qualifications, and compliance with bid documents.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and subcontractors to support accurate and timely pricing.
• Track long-lead equipment, supply chain concerns, substitutions, and manufacturer-specific requirements that may impact pricing or schedule.

Technical Scope Review

• Understand and interpret construction documents related to Fire Alarm systems, VESDA/aspirating smoke detection systems, ERRCS/emergency responder radio coverage systems, DAS/distributed antenna systems, low-voltage pathways and cabling, and integration with building systems.
• Review requirements related to applicable codes and standards, which may include NFPA 72, NFPA 70/NEC, IFC, IBC, local AHJ requirements, FCC-related radio coverage requirements, and project-specific data center standards.
• Identify required interfaces with suppression systems, pre-action systems, BMS/BAS, EPMS, security, elevator recall, smoke control, mechanical systems, power monitoring, and emergency communication systems.
• Understand phased construction, turnover milestones, white space requirements, critical environments, security protocols, and documentation standards common to hyperscale data center projects.
• Assist in identifying value engineering opportunities, alternates, and cost-saving options where appropriate.

Internal Coordination & Handoff

• Participate in bid review meetings, scope review meetings, and preconstruction coordination discussions.
• Prepare estimate backup documentation to support internal review and future project handoff.
• Conduct or support turnover meetings with project management, operations, engineering, and field leadership after award.
• Clearly communicate bid assumptions, labor units, vendor quotes, subcontractor scopes, exclusions, risks, and project-specific requirements.
• Support post-bid clarifications, scope comparisons, budget revisions, and proposal updates as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Experience estimating fire alarm, low-voltage, life safety, telecommunications, DAS, ERRCS, or related electrical/technology systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, riser diagrams, one-lines, details, schedules, and project manuals.
• Strong understanding of takeoff processes, labor unit development, material pricing, and proposal preparation.
• Experience preparing bid forms, scope sheets, proposals, clarifications, qualifications, and exclusions.
• Ability to solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple estimates with competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PDF plan review software.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience estimating hyperscale data center, colocation, mission critical, industrial, healthcare, or large commercial projects.
• Familiarity with Fire Alarm, VESDA, ERRCS, DAS, structured cabling, fiber, and low-voltage infrastructure systems.
• Experience with estimating software such as Accubid, McCormick, Trimble, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, ConEst, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of NFPA 72, NEC, IFC, IBC, and local AHJ requirements related to fire alarm and emergency communications systems.
• Experience working with manufacturer systems such as Notifier, Siemens, Edwards, Honeywell, Simplex, Xtralis VESDA, Fike, Potter, Gamewell, or similar.
• Experience coordinating with radio frequency engineers, DAS providers, ERRCS contractors, fire alarm programmers, and commissioning agents.
• Familiarity with data center construction processes including phased turnover, commissioning, QA/QC documentation, site logistics, security procedures, and critical environment requirements.
• NICET certification in Fire Alarm Systems is preferred but not required.
• Manufacturer training or certifications related to fire alarm, VESDA, DAS, or ERRCS systems are a plus.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Strong estimating discipline and cost awareness.
• Ability to identify missing scope and reduce bid risk.
• Technical curiosity and willingness to learn complex systems.
• Organized, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented.
• Strong document control and estimate backup habits.
• Ability to compare drawings, specifications, and addenda for scope changes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced bid environment.
• Capable of communicating clearly with vendors, subcontractors, engineers, project managers, and executives.
• Practical understanding of field installation means and methods.
• Ability to produce professional, complete, and well-structured proposal documents.

Role Expectations

The Estimator, Data Center Division is expected to produce accurate, complete, and defensible estimates that allow the company to pursue hyperscale data center opportunities with confidence. This role requires a balance of technical understanding, estimating discipline, documentation quality, and communication. The position is not responsible for direct sales, account management, or business development, but may support customer-facing bid reviews or clarification discussions as needed.

Benefits and Compensation


This role will be based out of our Harrison, OH branch. This position is eligible for annual bonus and profit sharing based on company performance in addition to other benefits that support the total well-being of you and your family. Some benefits include:

• Comprehensive Insurance coverage, Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
• Fitness Center Program
• Wellness Program
• 401K with employer match
• Discounted company stock (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• Profit Sharing
• Generous paid time off
• Growth opportunities through company sponsored leadership development courses and training

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.


All offers of employment are expressly contingent upon the satisfactory completion, in accordance with Company policy, of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

3S Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of religion, disability, protected veteran status, age, sex, race, color, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.

3S Incorporated complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and qualified employees with disabilities.

If you wish to request reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io .