Low Voltage Estimator - Data Centers

Align Communications•New York, NY

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Low Voltage Estimator specializing in data centers to lead preconstruction pricing, scope development, and risk analysis for ICT/ELV systems on mission-critical projects. This role will produce accurate, competitive estimates from conceptual budgets through GMP and support design-assist engagements where early pricing and constructability insight are essential. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented estimator with strong scope discipline and risk awareness. Qualified candidates must understand the unique requirements of data centers—high density, strict pathways management, redundancy, phased turnover, and accelerated schedules—and can translate drawings/specs into a complete and defensible estimate package.

Requirements

5–10+ years of low voltage estimating experience, with data center / mission-critical exposure
Strong understanding of low voltage systems and pathways used in data centers:
Structured cabling design intent, installation practices, and testing requirements
Telecom room/space standards, rack layouts, cable management, labeling documentation
Ability to interpret drawings/specs (telecom/ICT plans, RCDD-style details, security drawings)
Strong written communication skills for narratives and clarifications
Ability to manage multiple estimates concurrently under tight deadlines
Skilled at vendor leveling, negotiating scope, and identifying missing/overlapping responsibility
Proactive communicator who can defend assumptions and clarify scope early
Organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable with ambiguity typical in early design phase

Nice To Haves

Experience with hyperscale or colo builds; multi-building campus programs
Proficiency with common tools: Bluebeam, Excel, Procore
Familiarity with:
TIA standards (structured cabling, pathways, spaces) and best practices
Commissioning/acceptance workflows for ICT and security systems
Vendor ecosystems (fiber/copper manufacturers, rack/cabinet suppliers, security platforms)
Certifications a plus (not required):
BICSI (RCDD, Technician), NICET (security/fire where applicable), manufacturer certs

Responsibilities

Develop conceptual through detailed low voltage estimates for data center projects
Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for typical data center low voltage scopes, including:
Structured cabling (fiber & copper, various connector types, trunking, patching, cross-connects)
Backbone, horizontal, ISP and OSP distribution
Pathways (ladder rack, basket tray, J-hooks, sleeves, firestopping, grounding/bonding where applicable)
Equipment & spaces (MDF/IDF, MMR, data centers, telecom enclosures, cabinets)
Security and safety systems (ACS, VSS/CCTV, intrusion, intercom—where included)
BMS/EPMS interfaces for ICT (coordination scope as applicable)
Build detailed scope narratives, inclusions/exclusions, assumptions, clarifications, and alternates
Solicit, level, and analyze vendor/subcontractor proposals; perform apples-to-apples leveling and gap analysis
Coordinate with engineering and operations to validate constructability, labor productivity, and phasing
Support procurement planning for long-lead components
Prepare bid deliverables: estimate summary, schedule impacts, risk register inputs, estimated manpower, estimated straight /overtime hours, project duration / schedule and VE logs
Participate in design-assist meetings with clients, designers, and trade partners
Ensure estimates capture alternates, for non-responsive RFIs and / or value engineered solutions discovered during the duration of the bid
Support change pricing and cost validation during execution (as needed)