Project Estimator

Ideal Energy LLC • West Des Moines, IA

76d

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager of Engineering, Design, and Process, the Project Estimator plays a critical role in the company's success by developing profitable and competitive cost estimates for renewable energy projects, solar, and energy storage facilities. This position works collaboratively with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure that proposals are competitive, profitable, and meet industry standards. The Project Estimator is a seasoned estimator with past work experience in the renewable energy sector. Responsible for ensuring that bids are timely, accurate, and all encompassing, they understand the bid process and the importance of understanding project scope for accuracy and the impact to profit margin and bid quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field like Construction Management or Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience in project estimating, particularly in renewable energy.
• Knowledge of NEC Code, and PV system requirements.
• Knowledge about PV modules, inverters, and BOS components across different manufacturers and LV/MV electrical equipment.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software and familiarity with design tools (e.g., Excel, Bluebeam, RSMeans, Accubid, AutoCAD/Helioscope).
• Maintain current and relevant knowledge of industry trends and industry standard software.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings.

Nice To Haves

• Detail-oriented, proactive problem-solver capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to meet quick turnaround deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for project components like labor, materials, equipment, and overhead.
• Analyze project documentation, research market prices, and evaluate bids from contractors and suppliers.
• Interpret technical drawings (30%, 60%, 90%, IFC CAD Plan Sets) and create reasonable assumptions to create reasonable estimates.
• Work closely with engineering, construction, and other teams, as well as contractors, to understand project scope.
• Conduct site visits to align estimates with site conditions.
• Maintain a database of historical costs.
• Contribute to improving estimating processes and tools and stay updated on industry trends and regulations.
• Establish and maintain clear lines of communication and foster relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and other external partners.
• Clearly communicate estimates and findings to relevant stakeholders, including management.
• Promptly escalate any issues or concerns identified by external partners or internal teams to leadership.
• Maintain clear lines of communication within the Design, Engineering and Process team.
• Work cross-functionally with internal departments (Project Management, Accounting, Operations, etc.) to support bid preparation.
• Ensure accurate data in estimating software, link estimates to financial and project systems, and contribute to process improvements and SOP development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees