Bid and Design Specialist

Custom Alarm•Rochester, MN

9d•$25,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Bid and Design Specialist identifies opportunities, designs life-safety and security solutions, prepares estimates, and works with customers, contractors, and internal teams to move projects from concept to completion. Reporting to the Director of Sales, the role monitors bidding opportunities and develops relationships with electricians, architects, engineers, and general contractors. It creates bids, designs, scopes, and required bid documentation, and supports the company’s Vision, Purpose, and Core Values. The position is on-site in Rochester, Minnesota. Hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may fluctuate because the role is salaried. The stated base salary is $25,000–$50,000 per year, plus commissions. Custom Alarm has 70 employees. The position involves a mix of sitting, standing, and walking, as well as occasional stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing ladders and stairs, and handling objects weighing 10 to 100 pounds. Heights may range from ground level to 25 feet. Daily business driving is required, as is operating machinery and tools. Work may take place in all environmental conditions, usually indoors but occasionally outdoors, with possible exposure to dust, insulation, noise, heat, and cold. After-hours work and out-of-town trips are sometimes necessary. A valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and eligibility under the company’s auto insurance policy are required. Background checks and pre-employment drug testing are conducted. Custom Alarm describes its culture as family-friendly and positive, emphasizing doing the right thing, teamwork, lifelong learning, and customer service. The company says it has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Southeast Minnesota for 10 consecutive years.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Associate degree or equivalent related experience.
Two years of experience in design or engineered sales.
Knowledge of fire, security, and low-voltage systems.
Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and construction documents.
Strong estimating, design, and project coordination skills.
Understanding of applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry software.
Strong communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently.
Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and ability to be insured under the company’s auto insurance policy.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including daily business driving and operating machinery and tools.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Background check and pre-employment drug test.

Nice To Haves

NICET Fire Certification, or the ability to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe.
Experience or knowledge of Bluebeam and AutoCAD APLUS.

Responsibilities

Monitor and pursue security, fire, and low-voltage project opportunities.
Build relationships with contractors, engineers, architects, and industry partners.
Design systems, interpret plans and specifications, and prepare project estimates and bids.
Coordinate drawings and project documentation with the design team.
Follow up on bids and secure related service, monitoring, and inspection agreements.
Develop project scopes and support smooth project handoffs to Operations.
Conduct site visits to evaluate conditions, support installations, and ensure quality.
Track sales activity, opportunities, and performance metrics.
Maintain required certifications and stay current on industry codes, regulations, and technology.
Participate in training, team meetings, and cross-functional support activities.