Fire Alarm Estimator

Bosch Building Technologies•Poway, CA

About The Position

The Fire Alarm Estimator develops accurate estimates and system solutions for commercial fire alarm projects using products such as NOTIFIER and Silent Knight. The role reviews plans and specifications, performs project takeoffs, coordinates pricing, supports proposals, and works with Sales, contractors, vendors, and Operations from bid through project turnover. The position involves estimating equipment, materials, labor, programming, testing, installation, subcontractor, and other project costs. It supports new installations, upgrades, expansions, and retrofits, and includes coordinating project scope and requirements with internal and external stakeholders. Travel to customer and strategic account sites may be needed for site surveys, existing-system evaluations, and project development. The employee generally works Monday through Friday. The role is based in an office environment and also requires customer and contractor site visits, including construction sites. Driving to customer sites is required; travel is less than 10% as needed, with limited overnight travel possible. Compensation is $80,000–$120,000.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of estimating experience in fire alarm, life safety, electrical, low-voltage, or a related industry.
At least 1 year of commercial fire alarm or life safety experience.
Experience with fire alarm panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, modules, power supplies, and related equipment.
Familiarity with NOTIFIER, Silent Knight, or similar fire alarm systems.
Ability to read construction drawings, electrical/fire alarm plans, specifications, and bid documents.
Experience with project takeoffs and estimating equipment, material, labor, installation, and subcontractor costs.
Understanding of commercial fire alarm system design and applications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with customers, contractors, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, Sales, and internal teams.
Able to communicate effectively in English by seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and may be required to work at heights over 1.8 meters (6 feet).
Driving to customer sites is required.
U.S. work authorization is required; future sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of estimating experience in fire alarm, life safety, electrical, or low-voltage.
At least 2 years of commercial fire alarm experience.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Construction Management, Fire Protection, or a related field.
Strong experience with NOTIFIER, Silent Knight, and other commercial fire alarm systems.
Experience with Bluebeam and/or construction takeoff and estimating software.
Advanced ability to interpret fire alarm drawings, riser diagrams, device layouts, sequences of operation, and specifications.
Knowledge of NFPA 72 and applicable local fire alarm and life safety requirements.
Experience estimating new construction, retrofits, system replacements, and expansions.
Experience preparing proposals, scope narratives, clarifications, assumptions, alternates, and exclusions.
Experience coordinating with electrical/general contractors, engineers, vendors, and installation subcontractors.
Experience supporting project turnover from Sales/Estimating to Engineering, Project Management, and Operations.
NICET Level II Certification or higher.

Responsibilities

Select fire alarm equipment, including control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, modules, power supplies, and related components, based on project specifications, system needs, and cost.
Develop estimates and system solutions using NOTIFIER, Silent Knight, and other supported or future fire alarm product lines.
Review existing conditions, construction documents, and customer requirements to develop solutions for new installations, upgrades, expansions, and retrofits.
Perform detailed takeoffs and prepare estimates covering equipment, materials, labor, programming, testing, installation, subcontractors, and other project costs.
Review electrical drawings, fire alarm plans, specifications, addenda, and construction documents to identify scope, system interfaces, gaps, and potential project risks.
Obtain competitive pricing from installation partners, subcontractors, and equipment vendors before bid deadlines.
Coordinate with electrical and general contractors, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, customers, and internal teams regarding scope, pricing, system requirements, and RFIs.
Lead or participate in internal bid reviews to confirm scope, equipment, labor assumptions, subcontractor pricing, exclusions, and estimated costs.
Support Sales with proposals, scope narratives, clarifications, alternates, and exclusions for fire alarm projects.
Maintain project drawings, specifications, takeoffs, quotes, addenda, scope changes, estimates, and turnover documentation.
Participate in turnover meetings with Engineering, Project Management, and Operations to communicate scope, design intent, equipment selections, assumptions, exclusions, risks, and key project details.
Travel to customer and strategic account sites as needed for site surveys, existing system evaluations, and project development.
Perform other duties as assigned.