Sr. HV/BESS Estimator

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, TX, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle.

About the role

As a Senior HV/BESS 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 estimators and various departments to accurately estimate costs and resources required for utility-scale solar and BESS and standalone BESS 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 all activities related to high voltage substations and BESS pricing.

This position reports to the Senior HV/BESS Estimating Manager and is remote, based out of your home office with travel to job sites. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time. Overtime and weekend work may be required as needed. This position requires up to 25% travel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements and deadlines.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the estimation process.
• Develop and manage cost models; use computer estimating software to create and compile estimates; develop assemblies in estimating software.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for utility-scale solar projects specifically related to the HV Substation and BESS, 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.
• 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 based on projected site conditions and historical data.
• 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.
• 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 and negotiate contracts with clients.
• Participate in bid review meetings.
• 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.
• 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.
• Keep up-to-date on local building codes and maintain project directives.

Requirements

• Understanding of EPC contracting.
• Strong understanding of electrical theory.
• Understanding of environmental, geotechnical, and hydrological reports.
• General understanding of current HV and BESS equipment and impacts of each system.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant certificate from college or technical school. No degree will be considered if relevant experience exceeds 3 years.
• 5+ years relevant experience in estimating and project management, with at least 3 years of experience in utility-scale solar, HV, and BESS projects (construction, energy industry preferred).
• Background in commercial construction, electrical equipment supply, and/or power plant engineering.
• Strong understanding of utility solar and battery storage installation and best practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, computer fluency, and effective negotiation skills.
• 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, 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.

Physical Demands

• Frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sits up to 8 hours in a day.
• Infrequently bends, stands, stoops, and/or walks.
• Infrequently carries weight and/or lifts objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• 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.
• Frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairways to get to office upper and lower floors.
• Travel up to 25% as needed.

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.