Chief Electrical Estimator

Jobtailor; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Itasca, IL seeks an experienced Lead Electrical Estimator to drive the full estimating process for complex projects, from bid review to final proposal.

The role partners with project managers and engineers to align estimates with execution strategies, mentors estimators, and builds strong vendor relationships to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of electrical estimating experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong NEC, NFPA, IEEE, and NETA knowledge and standards.
• Experience with commercial, industrial, or mission-critical projects.
• Proficient in estimating software (Accubid, Trimble, Bluebeam, or similar).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and specifications.
• Electrical Engineering or related degree (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• Experience with QAQC across Levels 1–3 on electrical projects.
• Local vendor/subcontractor relationships in the Southeast are a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full estimating process for complex electrical projects, from bid review through final proposal
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, and scope to build complete, accurate cost estimates
• Partner with project managers, engineers, and preconstruction teams to align estimates with execution strategies
• Mentor and coach estimators to develop technical expertise and confidence
• Build strong relationships with vendors to obtain competitive pricing and insights
• Contribute to project pursuit and estimating strategy, competitiveness, and innovation
• Deliver accurate, complete estimates on time
• Help establish realistic budgets and achievable goals for field teams

Skills

Electrical Estimating

Leadership

QAQC Management

Vendor Relationships

Reading Electrical Drawings

Education

Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Procore

BIM 360

Smartsheet

CMMS

Job description

• Lead the full estimating process for complex electrical projects, from bid review through final proposal
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, and scope to build complete, accurate cost estimates
• Partner with project managers, engineers, and preconstruction teams to align estimates with execution strategies
• Mentor and coach estimators to develop technical expertise and confidence
• Build strong relationships with vendors to obtain competitive pricing and insights
• Contribute to project pursuit and estimating strategy, competitiveness, and innovation
• Deliver accurate, complete estimates on time
• Help establish realistic budgets and achievable goals for field teams

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in electrical estimating, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and industry standards
• Experience with commercial, industrial, or mission-critical projects
• Proficiency in estimating software (Accubid, Trimble, Bluebeam, or similar)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-lines, and specifications
• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field—or equivalent hands-on experience
• 7–10 years working with electrical systems in commercial or mission-critical construction
• Deep knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70/70E, IEEE, and NETA standards
• Experience managing QAQC across Levels 1–3 on electrical projects
• Ability to interpret one-lines, riser diagrams, panel schedules, and coordination studies
• Proficiency with QA tools (Procore, BIM 360, Smartsheet, CMMS)
• Strong communication skills to lead issue resolution with contractors, engineers, commissioning agents, and clients
• Certifications such as PE (Electrical), LEED, ASPE, or CPE are bonus points
• Experience with data centers, hospitals, or advanced manufacturing projects is a bonus
• Local vendor and subcontractor relationships in Georgia and the Southeast are a bonus

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive expertise in electrical estimating, including the ability to evaluate complex drawings and specifications, mentor teams, and deliver accurate cost estimates on time. Proficient in utilizing estimating software and managing QAQC processes while maintaining strong vendor relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Electrical Estimating
• NEC Knowledge
• Estimating Software Proficiency
• Leadership Experience
• QAQC Management

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Electrical Estimating
• Cost Estimation
• Reading Electrical Drawings
• Interpreting Specifications
• Budget Establishment
• Project Pursuit Strategy
• Vendor Relationship Management
• Estimating Software (Accubid, Trimble, Bluebeam)
• QAQC Management
• Electrical Systems Knowledge

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication Skills
• Mentoring
• Coaching

Certifications & Qualifications

• PE (Electrical)
• LEED
• ASPE
• CPE

Industry Keywords

• NEC
• NFPA
• IEEE
• NETA
• Commercial Projects
• Industrial Projects
• Mission-Critical Projects
• Data Centers
• Hospitals
• Advanced Manufacturing

Tools & Technologies

• Procore
• BIM 360
• Smartsheet
• CMMS