Sr. PV Estimator

About the role

As a Sr. PV 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.

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.

• Perform site evaluations to inform project cost.

• 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 a cost model.

• Use computer estimating software to create and compile estimates.

• Create assemblies in estimating software.

• Review and redline project design drawings.

• 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;

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• General Requirements:

  • Strong understanding of electrical theory; Knowledge of electrical calculations, including wire loss, wire sizing, equipment rating, over-current protection, etc.
  • The ability to generate PVSYST reports is a plus.
  • A general understanding of current PV equipment (Tracker, inverter) and impacts of each system.
  • Keep up-to-date on local building codes;
  • Create and maintain project directives;
  • 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 6 years;

• 6+ years relevant experience in estimating and project management, with at least 3 years of experience in utility-scale solar projects. (Construction, energy industry preferred);

• Background in commercial construction, electrical equipment supply, and/or power plant engineering.

• Strong understanding of Solar and Battery storage installation and Best Practices.

• 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, 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.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of electrical theory; Knowledge of electrical calculations, including wire loss, wire sizing, equipment rating, over-current protection, etc.

• The ability to generate PVSYST reports is a plus.

• A general understanding of current PV equipment (Tracker, inverter) and impacts of each system.

• Keep up-to-date on local building codes;

• Create and maintain project directives;

• Travel up to 25% as needed.