ELECTRICAL ESTIMATOR
As an Electrical Estimator at DSE Electric, Inc., you will be responsible for evaluating project plans and specifications, performing accurate takeoffs, preparing competitive bids, and supporting preconstruction efforts. You’ll collaborate with project managers, field operations, and clients to ensure bids are complete, accurate, and aligned with union labor requirements and California code compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project Review & Cost Analysis
- Review electrical drawings, specifications, and scope documents to identify scope gaps, exclusions, and potential risks.
- Conduct site visits and/or coordinate with project personnel attending job walks, to assess site conditions, access, and logistical challenges.
- Communicate findings with the project management teams to ensure accurate cost analysis and risk assessment.
2. Quantity Takeoffs & Material Pricing
- Perform detailed quality takeoffs using estimating software and current labor units.
- Determine quantities and pricing for materials, equipment, and labor.
- Use estimating software (e.g., McCormick, etc.) to develop cost breakdowns.
3. Bid Preparation & Submission
- Review bid invitations, drawings, and specifications to determine project scope.
- Prepare and submit competitive and compliant bid proposals.
- Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
- Develop accurate bid proposals and clarifications.
4. Client & Vendor Coordination
- Communicate with general contractors and clients to clarify scope and/or bidding requirements.
- Work closely with project managers, engineers, and the sales team during pre-construction.
- Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors to gather accurate pricing.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors for competitive pricing.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, job walks and communicate RFI needs to GCs or engineers.
5. Handoff & Support
- Prepare a thorough bid recap and turnover complete package for the Project Manager and operations team.
- Participate in internal turnover meetings to ensure a seamless project start-up.
- Support the PM team with cost breakdown, budget and schedules as needed.
6. Database & Market Maintenance
· Maintain historical cost data and update unit pricing regularly.
· Track bid results to assess competitiveness and refine estimating practices.
· Stay up to date on market trends, material costs, and labor development.
- Coordinate with the internal team to update company qualifications or project portfolios as needed.
7. Administrative & Office Support
· Perform additional administrative tasks or special projects as requested by management to support departmental or company-wide operations.
Core Competencies
- Thorough in reviewing bid documents and assembling complete, accurate proposals.
- Strong understanding of NEC and California building codes.
- Proficient in estimating software (e.g., McCormick, Accubid, Bluebeam, Excel).
- Analytical mindset with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication with internal teams and external partners.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict deadlines.
- Maintains orderly systems and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Qualifications
- 3-5+ years of experience estimating commercial, industrial or public works electrical projects.
- Prior union subcontractor experience preferred.
- Knowledge of IBEW labor classifications, local codes, and prevailing wage requirements.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Bluebeam.
- Management, Business, or related field preferred.
- Ability to travel to project sites as needed.
Company Values: All employees are expected to model DSE’s core values: safety, quality, flexibility, integrity, and efficiency, in all work, communication, and collaboration.