Low Voltage Controls Estimator

Upchurch•Jackson, MS

About The Position

The Low‑Voltage Controls Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for the low‑voltage portions of building systems projects. This role focuses on estimating devices, cabling, panels, networking, installation labor, and related services supporting BAS, EMS, EPMS, lighting controls, tele data, and AV systems. The estimator collaborates with sales, preconstruction teams, project management, and vendors to clearly define scope boundaries and ensure pricing accuracy without responsibility for system design.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; technical or construction‑related education preferred
4–7 years of experience estimating low‑voltage systems or supporting BAS, controls, or ICT projects
Solid understanding of low‑voltage installation practices and system components
Working knowledge of BAS controls hardware, lighting controls, teledata, and AV fundamentals
Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical, controls, and low‑voltage drawings
Proficiency with estimating and takeoff tools (e.g., Accubid, Bluebeam, Excel)
Familiarity with low‑voltage labor productivity and construction sequencing
Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating integrated building or multi‑system low‑voltage projects
Familiarity with common manufacturers and platforms (e.g., Siemens, JCI, Schneider, Honeywell, Tridium, Lutron, Wattstopper, Crestron, Extron, CommScope, Panduit)
Understanding of BACnet, Modbus, TCP/IP networking, and structured cabling standards
Field installation, commissioning, or project coordination experience

Responsibilities

Review construction drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and addenda to identify low‑voltage system scope
Prepare detailed estimates for low‑voltage components of the following systems: Building Automation Systems (BAS) – controllers, sensors, control panels, wiring, networks, graphics support
Energy Management Systems (EMS) – meters interfaces, gateways, data acquisition hardware, cabling
Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) – meters, CTs (if LV‑installed), communication wiring, gateways
Lighting Controls – control panels, relays, sensors, low‑voltage cabling, interfaces to lighting fixtures or BAS
Teledata Systems – structured cabling, fiber, pathways, racks, cabinets, grounding, terminations
Audiovisual (AV) Systems – control processors, displays, speakers, DSPs, endpoints, cabling, and accessories
Perform quantity takeoffs for low‑voltage devices, cabling, panels, racks, and network infrastructure
Develop labor estimates for installation, rough‑in, trim‑out, terminations, testing, labeling, checkout, and commissioning support
Coordinate vendor and distributor pricing for low‑voltage equipment and materials
Confirm scope division between low‑voltage, electrical, mechanical, IT, and specialty trades
Identify scope gaps, coordination risks, and system integration impacts relevant to low‑voltage work
Prepare estimating assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, and clarifications
Assist with value engineering related to device counts, cabling methods, and system architecture
Participate in bid reviews and turnover meetings with project management
Price change orders and scope revisions affecting low‑voltage systems
Maintain estimating databases, labor units, and historical pricing for low‑voltage work