Lead Estimator

Saulsbury

. Lead and own the estimating process for mission critical and data center projects from early conceptual budgeting through final bid submission .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading the estimating process for mission critical and data center projects, including developing accurate and competitive estimates, coordinating with stakeholders, and applying advanced estimating strategies. Proficient in electrical construction systems and capable of managing complex bids from conceptual budgeting to final submission.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Electrical EstimatingData Center InfrastructureEstimating SoftwareBid Review ProcessesLeadership Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Estimating StrategiesQuantity Take-offsLabor ProductivityRisk AssessmentMarket PricingValue EngineeringElectrical DistributionMedium-Voltage SystemsLow-Voltage SystemsConceptual Budgeting

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsNegotiation SkillsOrganizational SkillsLeadership SkillsDetail-Oriented

Tools & Technologies

Estimating SoftwareBid History DatabasesProject Scheduling ToolsLogistics Planning Tools

Industry Keywords

Mission Critical ProjectsData Center ConstructionElectrical ConstructionHigh-Reliability InfrastructureConstruction Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and own the estimating process for mission critical and data center projects from early conceptual budgeting through final bid submission
Develop accurate, competitive, and risk-informed estimates
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders
Support preconstruction strategy and help position the company to win complex, schedule-driven work
Lead detailed estimates covering electrical distribution, medium- and low-voltage systems, feeders, conduit, cable tray, busway, grounding, lighting, controls, fire alarm interfaces, communications pathways, and related infrastructure
Review drawings, specifications, one-lines, design narratives, bid documents, addenda, and scope packages
Develop quantity take-offs, labor plans, equipment requirements, material pricing, and subcontractor scopes
Develop conceptual, budgetary, design-assist, and hard-bid estimates using design information, historical cost data, productivity assumptions, and market intelligence
Solicit, level, and evaluate quotes from vendors, equipment suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturers
Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability concerns, long-lead equipment impacts, commercial risks, opportunities, and value-engineering options
Prepare estimate summaries, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, allowances, contingency recommendations, and bid forms
Create preliminary project schedules, manpower plans, indirect cost budgets, and logistics assumptions
Lead bid review meetings with operations, preconstruction, estimating leadership, business development, and executive stakeholders
Coordinate multi-discipline input from project managers, engineers, superintendents, procurement, vendors, and subcontractors
Maintain estimating databases, labor units, pricing benchmarks, bid history, and lessons learned
Mentor estimators and support continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, templates, and proposal standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

Progressive electrical estimating, preconstruction, or related construction experience, with demonstrated responsibility for complex bids
Experience estimating mission critical, data center, semiconductor, industrial, power, or other high-reliability infrastructure projects preferred
Proven ability to lead estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, including competitive bid, design-assist, design-build, and negotiated/GMP delivery methods
Strong understanding of electrical construction systems, including power distribution, switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, generators, busway, conduit, feeders, cable tray, grounding, lighting, low-voltage systems, controls, and related data center infrastructure
Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, one-lines, equipment schedules, scope documents, and contract requirements
Advanced knowledge of estimating strategies, labor productivity, crew planning, indirect costs, market pricing, risk assessment, value engineering, and bid review processes
Experience with estimating and takeoff software
Strong communication, negotiation, organization, and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively with operations, clients, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, and executive stakeholders
Ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple pursuits, and make sound decisions with incomplete or evolving design information
Field experience in electrical construction, data center construction, or industrial construction is highly preferred
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent field and estimating experience will be considered
Occasional travel may be required to support site walks, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and project handoffs
Professional, ethical, detail-oriented team player with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Benefits

Comp & perks

Full-time employment
Occasional travel to support site walks, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and project handoffs