Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
Electrical Construction Estimator
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Electrical Construction Estimator to support the preparation of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates for electrical construction projects. This position is responsible for reviewing plans and specifications, performing detailed takeoffs, developing labor and material costs, soliciting subcontractor and vendor pricing, identifying project risks, and preparing complete bid packages.
The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of electrical construction means and methods and can evaluate a project beyond the drawings—identifying scope gaps, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, long-lead equipment, and opportunities for value engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Review electrical drawings, specifications, addenda, bid documents, and contract requirements to develop a complete understanding of project scope.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, branch power, feeders, switchgear, transformers, panels, conduit, wire, controls, and related systems.
- Develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates.
- Apply appropriate labor units, productivity factors, crew compositions, and project-specific conditions when developing estimates.
- Solicit, review, and level vendor and subcontractor quotations to ensure complete scope coverage.
- Identify exclusions, clarifications, allowances, alternates, and potential scope gaps.
- Evaluate project schedules, phasing requirements, site logistics, overtime requirements, and other conditions that may impact cost.
- Identify long-lead equipment and procurement risks, particularly switchgear, transformers, generators, and other major electrical equipment.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope reviews as needed.
- Develop value-engineering alternatives and cost-saving recommendations while maintaining project requirements.
- Prepare bid summaries, proposal documentation, scope letters, and supporting materials for final bid submission.
- Participate in bid-day strategy and final pricing decisions with estimating and operational leadership.
- Maintain organized estimating documentation, historical pricing, vendor information, and cost data.
- Support estimate-to-operations handoffs for awarded projects, including scope review, assumptions, buyout information, and identified project risks.
- Work collaboratively with project management, operations, purchasing, and field leadership throughout the preconstruction process.
- Assist with conceptual estimates, budgets, design-build opportunities, change-order pricing, and negotiated work as needed.
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of electrical construction estimating experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of commercial and/or industrial electrical construction.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, one-line diagrams, schedules, and contract documents.
- Working knowledge of electrical materials, equipment, installation methods, and labor requirements.
- Understanding of NEC requirements and applicable electrical construction standards.
- Experience developing estimates for projects from initial takeoff through final bid submission.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to identify scope gaps, project risks, constructability issues, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
- Experience working with electrical subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and equipment representatives.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business
