Senior Commercial Estimator

Senior Commercial Estimator

Company

The team is smart, dedicated to customers, open minded, and fun. They seek the renewable energy industry's best talent. Projects vary from small residential systems to large scale commercial and industrial projects. If you are ready to join a rapidly growing company with opportunities for upward mobility, you are encouraged to apply.

Description

This position collaborates closely with design, engineering, project management, procurement, operations, and external partners to ensure estimates reflect constructability, market conditions, and project risk to deliver the most efficient end product to clientele.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Develop preliminary project scope and conceptual designs to meet customer and company objectives.
• Complete pre-construction surveys, feasibility reviews, and other preliminary estimating research and documentation.
• Conduct thorough plan and specification reviews to ensure complete scope coverage and accurate takeoffs.
• Review and interpret contract specifications, drawings, and project documents to ensure estimates align with project requirements.

• Perform quality takeoffs and develop comprehensive pricing estimates, including equipment, labor, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Develop and complete general conditions, allowances, exclusions, and contingencies as part of project estimates.
• Obtain and apply applicable wage rates, including prevailing wage requirements and labor classifications, as dictated by jurisdiction or contract.
• Assist in the development of preliminary construction durations and schedule templates to support pricing and proposal development.

• Prepare vendor and subcontractor solicitation packages.
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals and develop comparison matrices and estimate summary sheets.

• Partner with Design and Operations teams to analyze estimates, identify risks, evaluate constructability, and pursue value engineering and cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering consultants, designers, and internal stakeholders to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and obtain required estimating inputs.

• Support proposal development by coordinating inputs, preparing pricing narratives, assisting with change orders, and supporting final proposal assembly.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and occasional customer-facing site visits or presentations to validate assumptions and review proposed solutions.

• Understand renewable energy policies and incentives and their impact on equipment selection and estimating strategies.
• Stay current with industry-standard estimating software, tools, and emerging technologies; evaluate new solutions to improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain organized estimating files, assumptions logs, and historical cost data to support future bids and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Other duties and tasks as assigned by management.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Exemplify company core values (Safety First, Dependability, Do the Right Thing, and Want to Win).

Skills/Qualifications

• 3-5 years of proven experience in commercial solar estimation, construction estimation, and/or design, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience considered.
• Experience estimating commercial solar PV projects (rooftop, carport, and ground-mount); energy storage experience (preferred).
• NABCEP PV Design Certification, NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification or NABCEP PV System Inspector Certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, electrical systems, and solar balance-of-system components (required).

• Proficiency in Google Suite/Google Workspace (Slides, Sheets, Calendar, Forms, Docs, Gmail) or related software.
• Proficiency in CRM, ERP, and other related software. Salesforce, Netsuite, and RF Smart experience preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and document management tools; familiarity with takeoff software preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional and internal collaboration.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with leaders in different departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers by phone and email.
• Able to work under pressure, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic work environment with changing priorities.
• Proactive and helpful demeanor.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of company, financial, and employee data/information.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage time, anticipate needs, and work independently with minimal supervision.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer (frequent).
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times (frequent).
• Ability to type at least 40 words per minute (frequent).
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

• This is a full-time exempt salaried (not overtime eligible) position.
• Hybrid: This position is eligible to work a combination of in-office work at headquarters (St. Paul, MN) and remote/work from home eligibility (subject to business needs and performance).
• Schedule: Monday
• Friday, 8:00 AM
• 5:00 PM (company core hours).

• PTO accrual up to 80 hours annually (120 hours annually after year 1).
• 6 paid holidays + 1 personal day.
• Dental + vision insurance (free for individual).
• Health insurance (free individual option).
• 401K with company match (eligible after 90 days, age 21+).
• Discretionary profit sharing bonus based on company performance.
• Free employee assistance plan.
• Additional benefits available.