Estimator - Solar

The Estimator is responsible for preparing and presenting detailed cost estimates for utility-scale solar construction projects throughout the United States. This role serves as the solar subject matter expert for the organizations, encompassing all areas of RFP requirements, proposal strategies, risk management and preconstruction planning. The successful candidate will guide the estimation process from initial concept through detailed budgets, providing technical expertise and ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in renewable energy construction estimating. Solar estimating experience preferred. 
• Experience in the management and coordination of proposal efforts and/or project forecasts
• Preconstruction, project planning and/or procurement experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong client-facing and internal communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications and technical documents
• Expert-level knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, components and construction methodologies  
• Familiarity with Estimating Software such as HeavyBid or AccuBid 
• Experience with SmartSheet strongly preferred 
• Knowledge of solar supply chains, lead times and market dynamics
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with solar industry standards, codes and best practices
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse team including engineers, project leadership and field personnel

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Promote and follow JMS safety standards, prioritizing and demonstrating safe behavior
• Serve as the solar subject matter expert (SME), providing technical guidance on solar-specific construction methods, equipment, materials and industry standards to internal teams
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary and detailed cost estimates for solar projects from start to finish, including site visits, scope determination, communication with clients and JMS leadership and data entry into construction estimate software
• Utilize historical data and current market pricing to develop labor, equipment, material and subcontractor cost estimates
• Create achievable estimate plans and comprehensive budget, ensuring quality, integrity and compliance with compliance with solar-specific requirements
• Identify and communicate project risks and cost-saving opportunities
• Assist in developing project schedules and logistics plans during the preconstruction phase
• Lead preconstruction activities including preliminary schedule development, logistics planning, constructability reviews and identification of solar-specific challenges and opportunities 
• Identify and communicate project risks, including potential weather, supply chain and permitting issues and cost saving opportunities
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for electrical, structural, civil and balance-of-system work
• Combine estimate elements and prepare internal review documents and bid forms for the proposal
• Coordinate with project leadership to validate construction methods, schedules and resource requirements
• Prepare and present bid packages and estimate summaries, including supporting documentation and risk assessments for executive review
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, labor availability and subcontractor capacity and supply chain developments and understand the impact on project costs
• Lead supply chain bid evaluation, considering cost and schedule criteria
• Prepare and distribute request for quotes (RFQs), evaluate bids against cost and schedule criteria and engage in negotiation to optimize pricing and delivery
• Escalate procurement delays, quantity issues and cost overruns appropriately and with recommended solutions
• Participate in bid reviews, client meetings and site visits
• Represent JMS to clients and vendors with the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior
• Compare estimated performance against actual project results. Communicate and incorporate lessons learned into future estimating
• Other duties as assigned

Work Environment:

• This position involves both office-based tasks and on-site inspections
• When working at a job site this role may be exposed to site conditions such as hot or cold temperatures, outdoor elements, dust, fumes and loud noises
• On-site work requires adherence to safety regulations and Company policies 
• Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

JMS Energy provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JMS Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company performs work.