Senior Electrical Estimator - Industrial Preconstruction

Interstates•Fort Dodge, IA

36d•Onsite

About The Position

At Interstates, we’re doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. We are looking for a Senior Electrical Estimator – Industrial Preconstruction to join our team and help drive accurate, strategic estimates for complex industrial projects. In this role, you won’t just estimate—you’ll help shape how projects are built, priced, and won. This is a senior-level role where your expertise helps shape project strategy, client decisions, and winning proposals. This is more than takeoffs—it’s leadership, collaboration, and real impact from preconstruction through execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a construction-related field, or equivalent technical training
3–5 years of industrial electrical estimating experience
Strong understanding of design-build and plan/spec work
Ability to interpret complex drawings and translate them into cost impacts
Experience with estimating software such as Accubid or BHS
Proficiency in Bluebeam, Excel, and Microsoft Office
Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to lead client and team discussions
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to perform effectively under deadlines

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with AutoCAD and Microsoft Project preferred

Responsibilities

Own the full estimating lifecycle by analyzing drawings, specs, and bid documents to deliver accurate, competitive electrical estimates
Translate design intent into real-world cost impacts for both design-build and plan/spec projects
Partner with clients, vendors, and internal teams to shape scope, align expectations, and define what success looks like
Deliver complete estimates across a wide range of project sizes, from early budget pricing to final proposals
Leverage historical cost data and strong analytical skills to make precise, data-driven decisions
Collaborate across disciplines to identify scope gaps, overlaps, and downstream impacts to ensure complete project coverage
Lead communication with stakeholders and confidently guide client conversations and scope reviews
Develop winning strategies, value-add ideas, and value-engineered solutions that improve cost and constructability
Proactively identify and mitigate risk, clearly documenting assumptions, clarifications, and decisions throughout the bid cycle
Build clear, compelling proposals and ensure a seamless handoff to execution teams
Contribute beyond the bid by supporting change orders, cost-to-complete efforts, and estimating standards and best practices
Strengthen the team by mentoring junior estimators, supporting department operations and tools, maintaining strong relationships, and consistently delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines