AV Design Estimator: Proposals, BOMs & Costing

Ford Audio-Video (Ford AV); United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Audio-Video (Ford AV) seeks a Design Estimator to develop detailed audio, video, lighting, and control system designs for pre-sales proposals. You will translate project requirements into proposals with system drawings, BOMs, and cost estimates to empower the sales team to present reliable solutions.

You will review drawings and site surveys to create complete estimates, collaborate with sales/engineering, and obtain vendor quotes to optimize cost and performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in AV system design, estimating or related technical role.
• Proficient in BOMs, drawings and cost estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Visio or CAD tools preferred.
• Ability to read/interpret specifications, drawings, and technical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate audio, video, lighting, and control system designs for proposals.
• Prepare BOMs, material costs, labor and travel estimates.
• Create functional line drawings, rack layouts, and system descriptions for proposals.
• Review project drawings, specs and site surveys to develop complete estimates.
• Collaborate with sales and engineering to refine designs and resolve technical challenges.
• Obtain vendor quotes and explore alternative products for cost/performance optimization.
• Support hand-off after proposal award.

Skills

AV system design

BOMs preparation

Cost estimates

Microsoft Office

Reading specs

Time management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/ Electronics Engineering or related field

Tools

Visio

CAD tools

Job description

As a Design Estimator at Ford AV, you will play a key role in our pre-sales process by developing accurate and detailed audio, video, lighting, and control system designs. You will translate project requirements into proposals that include system drawings, bills of materials, and cost estimates, ensuring our sales team can present competitive, reliable solutions to clients. Review engineering drawings, specifications, and site surveys to develop complete system estimates. Prepare accurate bills of materials, material costs, labor, and travel estimates. Create functional line drawings, rack layouts, and system descriptions for proposals. Identify inconsistencies or discrepancies in project documents and recommend solutions. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to refine system designs and resolve technical challenges. Obtain vendor quotes and explore alternative products for cost and performance optimization. Support smooth project hand-off after proposal award. Preferred CTS-D, CTS-I, or related industry certifications. Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or a related field. Experience in AV installation or construction project support.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in AV system design, estimating, or related technical role.
• Strong skills in preparing BOMs, drawings, and cost estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Visio or CAD tools preferred.
• Ability to read/interpret specifications, drawings, and technical requirements.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a track record of meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across sales, engineering, and vendor teams.