Electrical Estimator

About the role

DeBra-Kuempel is seeking an Electrical Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical construction projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, and project requirements to determine labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs, supporting profitable bidding decisions and ensuring projects are planned within budget and in compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze electrical drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documents to determine project scope and requirements
• Prepare detailed labor, material, and equipment cost estimates for commercial and industrial electrical projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assess manpower and scheduling while coordinating with Project Managers / Service Managers
• Develop and submit accurate and competitive bid proposals within required timelines and lead times based on current market
• Communicate with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams to obtain pricing and clarify estimates
• Evaluate project risks, cost uncertainties, and potential profitability
• Maintain and update cost databases, labor rates, and material pricing to reflect market conditions
• Support project managers during handoff and assist with change order pricing as needed
• Conduct site visits when necessary to validate estimating assumptions and verify existing conditions
• Accurately apply union negotiated wages / fringes per local CBA’s
• Support coordination meetings and job turnover meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, construction management, or a related field
• Prior experience estimating work for a union electrical contractor (IBEW signatory)
• Working knowledge of NECA IBEW labor agreements, local wage sheets, and benefit structures
• Familiarity with prevailing wage (Davis Bacon) and public sector construction requirements (where applicable)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, field leadership, and union representatives while maintaining contractual compliance
• Prior experience as an electrician or field technician also applies
• Experience in electrical estimating or electrical contracting, with strong understanding of electrical systems and construction practices
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, and building plans
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and takeoff tools
• Knowledge of applicable electrical codes and industry standards
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Team oriented with time management and ability to meet bid deadlines
• Commitment to safe, productive, and agreement-compliant project execution

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear
• The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• The employee may be required to commute to field locations and navigate around job site locations

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee should expect to sit for long periods in front of a computer and travel to field locations as needed
• While visiting field locations, the employee may be required to work outdoors and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical and electrical parts; high, precarious places; dust, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions, extended exposure to sunlight; cold and heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration
• The noise level in the field work environment is usually moderate to loud

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Company discounts
• Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement will receive benefits as negotiated within their specific CBA
• Eligibility to participate in a voluntary supplemental union benefits program