Solar Estimator

Essential Job Function & Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for utility-scale solar projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documents to accurately determine project scope and requirements.
• Utilize historical data, industry benchmarks, and market trends to ensure cost estimates are realistic and competitive.
• Review and validate subcontractor bids and quotations.
• Generate and manage project budgets through project award.
• Develop and manage cost models.
• Use computer estimating software to create and compile estimates.
• Create and compile assemblies in estimating software.
• Review and redline project design drawings.
• Understand self-perform best practices and means and methods to build project cost estimates from scratch.
• Understand job costing methodologies for use in the creation of WBS coded estimates.

Technical Analysis/Due Diligence

• Analyze and interpret project development documents such as geotechnical reports, pile load tests, hydrology reports, ALTA and topography documents, environmental, cultural, and biological reports.
• Perform site evaluations and reports to inform project cost.
• Identify local resources such as water sources, rock quarries, and local suppliers.

Resource Planning

• Collaborate with project managers to develop resource plans based on estimated costs and project schedules.
• Identify and quantify resource requirements, including manpower, equipment, and materials.
• Optimize resource allocation to maximize efficiency and minimize project risks.
• Develop labor productivity and (installation unit costs where applicable) based on projected site conditions and historical data;
• Identify local prevailing wage and labor requirements.
• Identify local and/or state labor ratio requirements.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and uncertainties associated with project estimates.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address identified risks.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of various factors on project costs and profitability.

Bid Preparation

• Prepare comprehensive bid proposals in response to client requests for proposals (RFPs) and invitations to bid (ITBs).
• Ensure bid proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements and company objectives.
• Collaborate with business development and sales teams to develop pricing strategies.
• Participate in bid review meetings.
• Create subcontractors scopes of work.
• Vendor and Supplier Management
• Maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery of materials and services.
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate pricing agreements to achieve cost savings and improve project profitability.
• Engage with new local contractors for potential use on the project.

Quality Assurance

• Review project estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company standards and industry best practices.
• Implement quality assurance processes to validate project estimates and identify areas for improvement.

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.
• A 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;