Solar Estimator

Knobelsdorff Enterprises•Goodhue, MN

13d•$70,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Solar Estimator evaluates project information and designs, prepares project proposals, solicits and reviews vendor and subcontractor quotes, and determines costs for photovoltaic installations throughout the United States. The role develops estimates for solar and battery storage projects ranging from 1 MW to 50+ MW and supports the bidding and design process through customer engagement, proposal preparation, and coordination with internal and external teams. The estimator contributes to complete and accurate pricing by estimating self-perform labor and equipment costs, reviewing historical project data, maintaining a solar estimating database, identifying project risks, and supporting project handoffs to preconstruction and construction teams. The role may also provide technical assistance with drawings, construction methods, and materials, tools, and equipment.

Requirements

At least 5 years of prior estimating experience, or a combination of education, estimating, and field experience.
Background in general estimating, solar, construction management, or project management.
Ability to manage multiple projects, tight deadlines, and work under pressure.
Competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to travel once a month.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with estimating software such as Heavy Bid, Accubid, or B2W.
Knowledge of scheduling principles and software such as MS Project or P6.

Responsibilities

Review bid packages proactively and lead or participate in developing high-quality pricing and proposals.
Develop or lead the development of comprehensive bid packages for submission to clients.
Develop and manage RFPs for project packages and solicit proposals from vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Interface directly with customers throughout the bidding and design process.
Coordinate with internal and external team members to obtain pricing and deliver complete bid packages, owning the process through bidding.
Request pricing for bonds, sales tax, insurance, prevailing wage, and other project-specific pricing requirements.
Review historical project data and lessons learned with construction teams to refine and improve pricing accuracy.
Develop complete and accurate solar and battery storage estimates for projects ranging from 1 MW to 50+ MW.
Estimate self-perform labor and equipment production costs for proposals.
Prepare and present detailed contractual bid proposals for client clarification.
Understand solar project scope, schedule, and construction costs to develop conforming bids.
Write, modify, and define detailed project scopes, including what is and is not included in proposals.
Maintain a solar estimating database of pricing and assemblies.
Continue developing knowledge and understanding of the solar market.
Provide technical assistance, including interpreting drawings, recommending construction methods, and specifying and ordering materials, tools, and equipment.
Identify potential project risks and raise them for discussion and mitigation planning.
Provide detailed handoff packages and ongoing project support as needed to preconstruction and construction teams.
Manage project files, drawings, documents, and records in the project system.
Perform additional duties as assigned.