Senior Electrical Estimator

Fortis Construction • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Estimator leads development of highly accurate, detailed mechanical, electrical, and controls estimates across all design stages, ensuring scope clarity, disciplined quantity development, and predictable cost outcomes. The role supports the M&E Preconstruction Manager by executing estimating work plans, coordinating with design and trade partners, validating system assumptions, and documenting all estimating logic with exceptional rigor. This position requires deep technical expertise, strong analytical capability, and a commitment to high dependability estimating practices.

Requirements

• 5+ years of estimating, engineering, or controls experience with strong M&E emphasis.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related degree program, or equivalent work experience.
• Deep knowledge of construction methods, M&E systems, and installation practices.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; able to translate complex technical information into clear cost narratives.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience evaluating trade partner proposals and developing detailed quantity takeoffs.
• Successful track record of collaboration with design teams, trade partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with Fortis policy.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, ROM, and detailed M&E estimates using disciplined quantity takeoffs, system benchmarking, and cost‑modeling methodologies.
• Identify and document cost drivers, system assumptions, design gaps, and risk factors with exceptional clarity.
• Evaluate trade partner and vendor proposals for completeness, alignment with design intent, and identification of scope gaps or overlaps.
• Support constructability reviews by validating system layouts, equipment selections, and installation feasibility.
• Lead the use of BIM tools to extract quantities, verify design intent, and support coordination with design partners and trade estimators.
• Lead and execute estimating tasks within the M&E preconstruction work plan, ensuring alignment with deliverables, milestones, and quality expectations.
• Support development of bid packages, purchasing strategies, and procurement documents for major M&E scopes.
• Coordinate with operations teams to validate installation assumptions and sequencing inputs for schedules.
• Ensure all estimating activities follow enterprise‑level processes and standards established by the Senior M&E Preconstruction Manager.
• Lead and prepare clear, well‑structured estimate summaries, system comparisons, and cost narratives for internal and external audiences.
• Participate in client‑facing M&E preconstruction meetings, presenting scope, quantities, and cost logic with accuracy and transparency.
• Support the M&E Preconstruction Manager in communicating cost trends, system options, and risk considerations throughout design development.
• Identify design ambiguities, scope gaps, procurement risks, and schedule constraints that impact M&E cost or feasibility.
• Produce high‑quality estimating deliverables—including quantity back‑up, system narratives, clarifications, and risk logs—that enable a clean handoff to operations.
• Manage meticulous documentation of assumptions, design changes, vendor inputs, and estimating logic.
• Lead and participate in cross‑functional risk workshops and escalate major issues to the M&E Preconstruction Manager.
• Incorporate prefabrication, modularization, and alternative delivery methods into estimates where applicable.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, schedule improvements, and design optimization through early estimating insights.
• Provide accurate and timely comparative analysis to evaluate different systems or compare different builds to help owner and design team with data-driven decision making.
• Support evaluation of new tools, technologies, and estimating methods that improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Coordinate daily with estimators, PMs, design partners, consultants, and trade partners to ensure alignment on scope and quantities.
• Provide technical guidance to estimators, reinforcing disciplined estimating practices and strong documentation habits.
• Assist in other duties as assigned, relevant to the achievement of the position’s and team’s objectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior