Cost Engineer Associate

M.C. Dean, Inc.; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

M.C. Dean, Inc. is seeking a Level 1 Estimator in McLean, VA to assist in preparing cost estimates for electrical installations and low-voltage applications.

The ideal candidate will have experience with bid proposal estimates and understanding of electrical equipment. Join a collaborative team dedicated to engineering innovation and quality in a passionate work environment.

Qualifications

• 0+ years experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical Engineering.
• 4+ years of experience with an Associate’s Degree.
• 6+ years experience with a high school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Gather data for bid proposal estimates.
• Perform take-offs from drawings.
• Prepare bid packages and obtain pricing.
• Maintain current information on prices.
• Work well with others to reach common goals.

Skills

Data gathering

Cost estimation

Electrical equipment knowledge

Blueprint interpretation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Associate’s Degree

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Accubid

BIM

Job description

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber‑physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Overview

The Level 1 Estimator assists more experienced estimators in preparing cost estimates for bids and proposals for electrical and other low‑voltage applications such as fire alarm systems, security systems, communication systems, paging systems, audio‑visual systems, and nurse‑call systems.

Why Join Us

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

Responsibilities

• Gathering data and assisting in preparing bid proposal estimates and design/build proposals.
• Performing take‑offs from drawings; pricing change orders and conducting site visits to understand the constructability of projects.
• Understanding plans and specifications to identify the types and grades of materials and equipment needed and to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Applying cost fundamentals; maintaining current, accurate information on prices from supplies and contractors.
• Preparing bid packages and obtaining pricing from subcontractors and vendors.
• Familiarity with electrical equipment, materials and specifications.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints.
• Experience with contract documents such as contract drawings, subcontracts, contract addendum.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of electrical plans, blueprints and drawings.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish work.
• Generating high quality work.
• Working well with others to reach a common goal.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Working knowledge of Accubid a plus.
• Working knowledge of BIM a plus.

Qualifications

• 0+ years experience with a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, preferably Electrical Engineering.
• 4+ years of experience with an Associate’s Degree.
• 6+ years experience with a high school diploma or GED.

Abilities

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.