DescriptionTitle: Solar Estimator
Department: Estimation/Preconstruction
Location: Houston, TX
Supervisor: Sr. Director of Estimations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Work Status : ( Hybrid /Remote/In-Office): Hybrid or Remote
SUMMARY
As a Solar Estimator in our utility-scale solar Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, you will play a crucial role in the successful execution of our projects. You will work closely with various departments to accurately estimate costs and resources required for utility-scale solar projects. Your expertise will guide decision-making processes, ensuring the profitability and efficiency of our projects. Your primary focus will be providing firm bid/submittal documents and cost estimates inclusive of the electrical/mechanical/civil pricing by leveling, reviewing, and analyzing subcontractor and material proposals, performing take-offs, scope reviews, risk identification, engineering optimization, and increasing margins through identifying cost efficiencies. This position reports to the Sr. Director of Estimations , or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Hybrid, and can be Remote with a reporting office located in Houston, TX office and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 20 %.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time .
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
o Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for utility-scale solar projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
o Analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documents to accurately determine project scope and requirements.
o Utilize historical data, industry benchmarks, and market trends to ensure cost estimates are realistic and competitive.
o Review and validate subcontractor bids and quotations.
o Generate and manage project budgets through project award.
o Develop and manage cost models.
o Use computer estimating software to create and compile estimates.
o Develop assemblies in estimating software.
o Review and redline project design drawings.
o Understand self-perform best practices and means and methods to build project cost estimates from scratch.
o Understand job costing methodologies for use in the creation of WBS coded estimates.
- Technical Analysis/Due Diligence
o Analyze and interpret project development documents such as geotechnical reports, pile load tests, hydrology reports, ALTA and topography documents, environmental, cultural, and biological reports.
o Perform site evaluations and reports to inform project cost.
o Identify local resources such as water sources, rock quarries, and local suppliers.
o Collaborate with project managers to develop resource plans based on estimated costs and project schedules.
o Identify and quantify resource requirements, including manpower, equipment, and materials.
o Optimize resource allocation to maximize efficiency and minimize project risks.
o Develop labor productivity and (installation unit costs where applicable) based on projected site conditions and historical data;
o Identify local prevailing wage and labor requirements.
o Identify local and/or state labor ratio requirements.
o Identify potential risks and uncertainties associated with project estimates.
o Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address identified risks.
o Conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of various factors on project costs and profitability.
o Prepare comprehensive bid proposals in response to client requests for proposals (RFPs) and invitations to bid (ITBs).
o Ensure bid proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements and company objectives.
o Collaborate with business development and sales teams to develop pricing strategies.
o Participate in bid review meetings.
o Create subcontractors scopes of work.
- Vendor and Supplier Management
o Maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery of materials and services.
o Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate pricing agreements to achieve cost savings and improve project profitability.
o Engage with new local contractors for potential use on the project.
o Review project estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company standards and industry best practices.
o Implement quality assurance processes to validate project estimates and identify areas for improvement.
o Have a strong understanding of self-perform constructability;
o Knowledge of electrical calculations, including wire loss, wire sizing, equipment rating, over-current protection, etc.
o The ability to generate PVSYST reports is a plus.
o Have a general understanding of current PV equipment (Tracker, inverter) and impacts of each system;
o Keep up-to-date on local building codes;
o Create and maintain project directives;
- Regular attendance , in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment , is an essential job duty requirement for this position
- Perform other duties and special projects , as assigned by Management
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant certificate from college or technical school. No degree will be considered if relevant experience exceeds 3 years;
- 3+ years relevant experience in estimating and project management, with at least 3 years of experience in utility-scale solar projects. (Construction, energy industry preferred);
- Experience in similar industries directly related to electrical will be considered.
- Background in commercial construction, electrical equipment supply, and/or power plant engineering.
- Strong understanding of Solar and Battery storage installation and Best Practices.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20%
- Strong oral and written communication skills, computer fluency, agile and effective negotiator with clear oral and written explanations required;
- Work experience in construction-related estimation (solar PV and BESS projects in particular) strongly preferred
- Proficiency in cost estimation software and tools, such as HCSS HeavyBid or similar applications.
- Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office Suite, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, and Procore experience is preferred.
- Self motivated , superior organization skills and attention to detail
- Assertive, ability to cope with dynamic surroundings;
- Proven leadership and management skills, with experience leading teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously; and
EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
- Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
- Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
- Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
- Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
- Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
- Travel: up to 2 0 % as needed
EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Regular professional, office business setting
- Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
- Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
- Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department
