Building Automation Estimator

Job Summary

Develop accurate cost estimates, scope narratives, and risk assessments for new-construction, retrofit, and service-upgrade Building Automation System (BAS) projects, ensuring proposals are competitive.

Key Responsibilities

• Document Review – Analyze architectural, mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings; specifications; and bid addenda to define BAS scope and clarifications.
• Quantity Take-Offs – Perform detailed counts of controllers, I/O points, field devices, conduit/cable, and labor hours using digital take-off software (e.g., Bluebeam, Planswift).
• Cost Modeling – Build itemized Bills of Material (BOMs) and labor allocations in the estimating platform (Accubid, Sage Estimating, or similar); apply regional labor factors and vendor quotations.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination – Solicit, evaluate, and level quotes for specialty sensors, panels, and installation subcontractors.
• Value Engineering – Identify alternative devices, sequences, and network topologies that reduce cost without sacrificing performance or spec compliance.
• Proposal Generation – Draft scope letters, inclusions/exclusions, pricing breakdowns, and cash-flow projections; participate in bid reviews and hand-off meetings with Project Management.
• Risk Assessment – Maintain an assumptions-and-risks register, noting design gaps, long-lead items, and cybersecurity or integration complexities.
• Historical Cost Database – Update unit-price libraries and labor productivity factors based on post-project close-out data and vendor price changes.
• Customer Interaction – Attend pre-bid site walks, answer RFIs, and present estimates to owners, GCs, and MEP engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Estimating experience in BAS, HVAC controls, electrical, or low-voltage systems.
• Strong ability to read MEP/control drawings, sequences of operation, and network risers.
• Proficiency with Excel plus at least one professional estimating tool (Accubid, Sage, Trimble, etc.).
• Solid understanding of BACnet, Modbus, and IP network architectures and their labor/material cost drivers.
• Familiarity with RSMeans, NECA, or SMACNA labor units and regional cost indices.
• Excellent written communication for clear scope narratives and proposal letters.
• OSHA-10 certificate (or obtained within 60 days) and basic understanding of job-site safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field.
• Experience estimating integrations with major BAS platforms (Niagara, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Distech, Alerton, Schneider).
• Exposure to design-assist or design-build delivery methods and early-stage ROM budgeting.

Physical / Other

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits (rooftops, mechanical rooms, construction trailers).
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs of plans/equipment and navigate active construction sites.
• Regional travel for pre-bid walks and client presentations.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Retirement, Short/Long term disability, and more.