What are the responsibilities and job description for the Low Voltage Controls Estimator position at Upchurch?
Company Overview
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Low‑Voltage Controls Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for the low‑voltage portions of building systems projects. This role focuses on estimating devices, cabling, panels, networking, installation labor, and related services supporting BAS, EMS, EPMS, lighting controls, tele data, and AV systems. The estimator collaborates with sales, preconstruction teams, project management, and vendors to clearly define scope boundaries and ensure pricing accuracy without responsibility for system design.
Key Responsibilities
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Low‑Voltage Controls Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for the low‑voltage portions of building systems projects. This role focuses on estimating devices, cabling, panels, networking, installation labor, and related services supporting BAS, EMS, EPMS, lighting controls, tele data, and AV systems. The estimator collaborates with sales, preconstruction teams, project management, and vendors to clearly define scope boundaries and ensure pricing accuracy without responsibility for system design.
Key Responsibilities
- Review construction drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and addenda to identify low‑voltage system scope
- Prepare detailed estimates for low‑voltage components of the following systems:
- Building Automation Systems (BAS) – controllers, sensors, control panels, wiring, networks, graphics support
- Energy Management Systems (EMS) – meters interfaces, gateways, data acquisition hardware, cabling
- Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) – meters, CTs (if LV‑installed), communication wiring, gateways
- Lighting Controls – control panels, relays, sensors, low‑voltage cabling, interfaces to lighting fixtures or BAS
- Teledata Systems – structured cabling, fiber, pathways, racks, cabinets, grounding, terminations
- Audiovisual (AV) Systems – control processors, displays, speakers, DSPs, endpoints, cabling, and accessories
- Perform quantity takeoffs for low‑voltage devices, cabling, panels, racks, and network infrastructure
- Develop labor estimates for installation, rough‑in, trim‑out, terminations, testing, labeling, checkout, and commissioning support
- Coordinate vendor and distributor pricing for low‑voltage equipment and materials
- Confirm scope division between low‑voltage, electrical, mechanical, IT, and specialty trades
- Identify scope gaps, coordination risks, and system integration impacts relevant to low‑voltage work
- Prepare estimating assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, and clarifications
- Assist with value engineering related to device counts, cabling methods, and system architecture
- Participate in bid reviews and turnover meetings with project management
- Price change orders and scope revisions affecting low‑voltage systems
- Maintain estimating databases, labor units, and historical pricing for low‑voltage work
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical or construction‑related education preferred
- 4–7 years of experience estimating low‑voltage systems or supporting BAS, controls, or ICT projects
- Solid understanding of low‑voltage installation practices and system components
- Working knowledge of BAS controls hardware, lighting controls, teledata, and AV fundamentals
- Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical, controls, and low‑voltage drawings
- Proficiency with estimating and takeoff tools (e.g., Accubid, Bluebeam, Excel)
- Familiarity with low‑voltage labor productivity and construction sequencing
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Experience estimating integrated building or multi‑system low‑voltage projects
- Familiarity with common manufacturers and platforms (e.g., Siemens, JCI, Schneider, Honeywell, Tridium, Lutron, Wattstopper, Crestron, Extron, CommScope, Panduit)
- Understanding of BACnet, Modbus, TCP/IP networking, and structured cabling standards
- Field installation, commissioning, or project coordination experience
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.