What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Estimator position at Instrata?
About the Role
Do you thrive on precision, strategy, and building winning electrical estimates that set projects up for success? We’re looking for a detail-oriented, analytical Electrical Estimator who can transform drawings, specifications, and bid documents into accurate, competitive cost estimates across electrical, industrial, transportation, and utility construction projects.
In this role, you’ll serve as a critical partner in the preconstruction process—analyzing electrical scope, developing labor and material estimates, coordinating vendor and subcontractor pricing, and producing high-quality proposals that support profitable project delivery. You’ll play a key role in helping the business win work while ensuring alignment between estimating, operations, and executive leadership.
What You’ll Do – Estimate with Precision. Build Winning Electrical Proposals.
- Review electrical drawings, specifications, bid packages, and RFP documentation to develop a complete understanding of project requirements and scope.
- Execute electronic takeoffs to quantify conduit, wire, cable, devices, panels, switchgear, labor, and associated electrical materials.
- Build comprehensive electrical estimates using labor units, material pricing, subcontractor quotes, and internal cost benchmarks.
- Solicit, evaluate, and level pricing from suppliers and subcontractors to ensure complete and competitive bid coverage.
- Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and commercial risk factors while incorporating contingency considerations into estimates.
- Generate accurate, professional bid proposals including scope assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and pricing documentation.
- Coordinate estimate reviews with department leadership and stakeholders for bids above established thresholds.
- Conduct weekly follow-up on pending proposals and maintain proactive communication with clients regarding open electrical bids.
- Participate in post-award kickoff meetings with operations teams to ensure accurate turnover of estimate assumptions, scope, and pricing.
- Track pricing trends, maintain estimating databases, and continuously improve estimating workflows and standards.
What You Bring
- Strong understanding of electrical construction estimating principles and bid development processes
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-lines, specifications, and contract documents
- Experience estimating electrical systems, power distribution, conduit/cable pathways, and associated infrastructure
- Familiarity with subcontractor scope review and supplier pricing processes
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across operations and leadership teams
Technical Skills Preferred
- Experience with Accubid, Bluebeam, or similar electrical estimating/takeoff software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, MS Project, and Teams
- Familiarity with project management software such as Smartsheet or equivalent
- Formal estimating software training preferred
Experience & Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
- Minimum 3 years of electrical estimating experience in electrical, industrial, transportation, utility, or related construction environments
- BICSI certification pursuit or industry certifications are a plus where applicable
Why Join Us?
- Play a direct role in securing and shaping complex electrical construction projects.
- Partner with operations, executive leadership, vendors, and field teams in a highly integrated environment.
- Build your estimating career in a company that values technical expertise and operational excellence.
- Work on diverse, complex projects requiring strategic thinking and technical precision.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based in a standard professional environment
- Regular sitting, standing, and computer use
- Occasional lifting/moving up to 25 pounds
- Some extended hours may be required during peak bid periods
Ready to Help Us Win?
If you’re a detail-driven Electrical Estimator who takes pride in building accurate, strategic, and competitive bids, we’d love to connect. Apply today and help us power what’s next.