Sr. Estimator

Knobelsdorff Enterprises•Goodhue, MN

4d•$95,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Sr. Estimator evaluates project information and designs, prepares project proposals, solicits and reviews vendor and subcontractor quotes, and determines costs for photovoltaic installations across the United States. The role develops accurate solar and battery storage estimates for projects ranging from 1 MW to 50+ MW, including self-perform labor and equipment production costs. It manages the bidding process from reviewing bid packages and developing pricing through customer clarification, proposal submission, and handoff to preconstruction and construction teams. The estimator also maintains solar pricing data and supports project teams with technical guidance and risk mitigation. Travel is required up to 10%.

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 work on multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work under pressure.
Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to travel once a month; the posting also states travel may be up to 10%.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Estimating software experience, such as Heavy Bid, Accubid, or B2W.
Knowledge of scheduling principles and software such as MS Project or P6.

Responsibilities

Review bid packages and lead or participate in developing high-quality pricing and proposals.
Develop or lead development of comprehensive bid packages for client submission.
Develop and manage requests for proposals 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, maintaining ownership throughout the bidding process.
Request pricing for bonds, sales tax, insurance, prevailing wage, and other project-specific requirements.
Review historical project data and lessons learned with construction teams to refine and improve pricing accuracy.
Develop 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 and clarify them with clients.
Understand solar project scope, schedule, and construction costs to develop conforming bids.
Write, modify, and define detailed project scopes, communicating what is included and excluded from 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 bring them forward 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.