Solar Project Estimator

2 weeks ago


Hawthorne, California, United States Pfister Energy Full time

Pfister Energy, Inc. is a leader in the renewable energy sector, delivering cutting-edge power solutions and energy efficiency initiatives for commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments. As a national developer and EPC provider, we specialize in comprehensive renewable energy, energy efficiency, and on-site distributed power generation systems, boasting over 600 megawatts (MW) of solar electric power (PV) installed across the United States.

Our Core Principles are the bedrock of Pfister Energy's ethos and guide our approach to fostering enduring relationships with our employees, clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and collaborators. We prioritize our workforce and partners based on their alignment with our Core Principles:

  • Integrity and Accountability in all dealings
  • Proactive Communication and Prompt Responses
  • A relentless pursuit of Excellence
  • Innovation and Collaboration at every level
  • A commitment to Wisdom and Continuous Improvement

Position Overview

We are seeking a Solar Estimator with a minimum of 5 years of relevant EPC Estimating Experience. This role will report directly to the Director of Preconstruction. We are in search of a results-driven and resilient individual who demonstrates initiative and possesses exceptional Attention to Detail, ready to tackle the challenges of shaping the future of energy in the dynamic Solar industry.

Key Responsibilities

Development Estimating

  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ascertain interconnection requirements for various utilities and assess interconnection costs for both Behind-the-Meter (BTM) and Front-of-the-Meter (FTM) projects.
  • Work alongside Development and Engineering teams to formulate preliminary design budgets for Development initiatives.

EPC Estimating

  • Prepare competitive, precise, and timely cost estimates and schedules for Distributed Generation (DG) scale (0.5MW-50MW) Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Rooftop, Carport, and Ground-Mount renewable energy projects (including Solar and EV Charging) during the Preconstruction phase.
  • Conduct thorough investigations of specifications, scope of work, drawings, and other RFP documents to fully comprehend the RFP requirements, demonstrating a solid understanding of contract documents and associated project risks.
  • Interpret solar construction drawings and execute accurate project takeoffs efficiently.
  • Manage relationships with subcontractors and vendors throughout the RFP process, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
  • Collaborate closely with Engineering to provide value-engineering recommendations based on current industry costs.
  • Work with the Accounting team to ensure accurate estimates of internal company costs for projects.
  • Conduct detailed Subcontractor and Vendor Descopes to ensure well-normalized bids.
  • Make informed Subcontractor recommendations to mitigate and price all project-related risks.
  • Ensure timely delivery of comprehensive RFP Responses, including proposals, pricing breakdowns, and preliminary schedules.
  • Maintain accurate records and databases for Costs, Subcontractors, Vendors, and other relevant data.

Pre-Construction Activities

  • Develop Contract and Construction schedules in partnership with Project Management, Construction, and Engineering teams.
  • Assist in the negotiation of EPC Contracts.
  • Oversee the Pre-Qualification process for Subcontractors and Vendors.
  • Support the selection, negotiation, and execution of contracts with Subcontractors.
  • Coordinate with Racking Vendors or Pull Testing companies to ensure timely completion of Pull Testing.
  • Establish and manage the Submittals process for all Subcontractor Scopes using Procore.
  • Co-lead Preconstruction Page Turn meetings.

Process Enhancement

  • Facilitate 'Lessons Learned' meetings at the conclusion of each project to identify setbacks and devise rectification plans.
  • Continuously analyze 'Actual' cost data from ongoing and completed projects to refine future cost estimates.
  • Gather feedback from the Construction team regarding Subcontractor performance in the field, track this feedback efficiently, and apply it to future Subcontractor selections.
  • Identify process bottlenecks and devise innovative solutions to enhance efficiencies.
  • Organize Learning sessions with Subject Matter Experts to promote Continuous Learning.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Proficiency in MS Office, with strong Excel skills being essential; MS OneNote skills are preferred.
  • Familiarity with Procore and Smartsheet is advantageous.
  • Exceptional ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
  • Strong Organizational, Project Management, and Data-Entry skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication capabilities.
  • Excellent note-taking and retention skills.
  • Strong coordination abilities to support cross-functional teams, along with time management, active listening, critical thinking, analytics, and reasoning skills.
  • Superior attention to detail, with a capacity for quick and independent learning.
  • Outstanding mathematical skills, particularly in problem-solving contexts.
  • A passion for Continuous Process Improvement, with a knack for identifying bottlenecks and devising innovative yet practical solutions.
  • A results-driven problem-solving mentality, characterized by curiosity and a commitment to ongoing education and career advancement.
  • A valid Driver's License.

Required Experience

  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in a Solar EPC environment is essential.
  • Experience in Subcontract tendering and response evaluation is required.
  • A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Construction Management, Energy Economics, Energy Systems/Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Data Analytics, or related fields is preferred.
  • Familiarity with electrical design components and/or engineering is considered a strong advantage.
  • Experience with Self-Perform Estimating is a significant plus.

This position is exclusively open to candidates currently residing in the United States.

Pfister Energy is dedicated to fostering a diverse environment and is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.



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