Project Estimator

Position Summary The Estimator plays a central role in evaluating and forecasting costs for large-scale solar and energy storage developments. This position supports projects from early feasibility through final execution, ensuring cost accuracy, market alignment, and financial competitiveness. The role involves preparing comprehensive cost models, analyzing contractor proposals, and supporting strategic decisions across civil, electrical, and structural work scopes. Collaboration with internal teams—such as development, engineering, procurement, and project management—is key to ensuring high-quality, data-driven estimates. The ideal candidate brings a solid foundation in construction estimating, experience with renewable energy infrastructure, and a strong command of cost modeling for utility-scale projects. Regular presence in the company's Bay Area office is preferred. Key Responsibilities • Cost Estimation and Analysis • Develop detailed cost estimates for large solar and battery storage projects, covering site grading, foundations, mounting systems, cabling, substations, and grid interconnections. • Review and compare subcontractor and supplier bids to validate cost competitiveness. • Build and maintain cost databases, unit price libraries, and productivity benchmarks tailored to solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) work. • Deliver conceptual, budgetary, and detailed cost estimates to support all project stages. • Prepare contingency assessments and sensitivity analyses for cost risk management. • Market Research and Data Management • Maintain accurate records of historical cost data and project metrics. • Analyze market trends in equipment, materials, and labor to inform pricing strategies. • Track regional cost variations and prevailing wage requirements, including compliance with relevant labor and apprenticeship standards. • Validate estimates through benchmarking against recognized industry and public- sector data sources. • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work with engineering to assess design alternatives and their cost impacts. • Support procurement with bid evaluation and vendor negotiations. • Provide cost input for project development activities such as site selection, permitting, and grid interconnection. • Communicate findings and present cost summaries, value engineering options, and risk evaluations to management. • Processes and Tools • Apply estimating software and internal modeling tools for cost forecasting. • Develop standardized templates, assumptions, and estimating protocols to ensure internal consistency. • Recommend improvements to estimation methodologies and project cost controls. Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field. • Minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, or EPC construction projects. • Strong understanding of solar PV and battery storage technologies, including major system components and installation methods. • Familiarity with regional labor markets, wage compliance, and productivity benchmarking. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating tools; familiarity with scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project is advantageous. • Excellent analytical and communication skills with high attention to accuracy and detail. • Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a development-focused environment. • Working knowledge of construction contract structures (lump sum, unit price, EPC). • Demonstrated ability to identify cost-saving measures and mitigate risk through value engineering. Compensation and Benefits • $125,000 - $160,000 plus 15% bonus • Comprehensive benefits including health coverage, retirement plan (401k match up to 5%) with employer contribution, and paid time off. • Flexible work options with a collaborative, mission-driven culture. • Opportunity to contribute to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable development.