Electrical Controls Estimator

CDMG Engineering; Bridgeville (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CDMG Engineering is seeking a Controller Panel Cost Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for custom industrial control panel projects. The role suits experienced panel builders or shop floor professionals familiar with materials, labor, and processes required to build high-quality panels.

The successful candidate will evaluate project requirements, estimate labor and material costs, obtain vendor pricing, and prepare quotations that support profitability and customer

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control panel assembly, electrical manufacturing, estimating, or industrial electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, specs, schematics, and panel layouts.
• Develop accurate material and labor cost estimates for industrial control panel projects.
• Estimate assembly, wiring, fabrication, and testing labor requirements.
• Identify components and materials required to complete projects.
• Obtain pricing from suppliers and vendors for components and materials.
• Evaluate project requirements and identify cost, schedule, or manufacturing challenges.
• Work with engineering, purchasing, and production to reflect manufacturing requirements.
• Prepare customer quotations and supporting documentation.
• Support sales and project teams with technical and costing information during quotations.
• Participate in project turnover meetings for awarded jobs.
• Review completed projects and compare actual vs. estimated costs to improve accuracy.

Skills

5+ years experience

Read electrical schematics

Estimating cost

Vendor pricing

Excel for estimating

Word for quotations

Strong communication

Education

Electrical Technology / Industrial Electricity / Automation Technology / Mechatronics

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Experience Required:

5+ Years

Reports To:

Panel Shop Manager

Position Summary

The Control Panel Cost Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for custom industrial control panel projects. This position is ideally suited for an experienced control panel builder, lead panel technician, or shop floor professional who understands the materials, labor, and processes required to build high-quality control panels.

The successful candidate will use hands-on industry experience to evaluate project requirements, estimate labor and material costs, obtain vendor pricing, and prepare quotations that support company profitability and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Review customer RFQs, specifications, electrical schematics, and panel layouts.


• Develop accurate material and labor cost estimates for industrial control panel projects.


• Estimate assembly, wiring, fabrication, and testing labor requirements.


• Identify components and materials required to complete customer projects.


• Obtain pricing from suppliers and vendors for electrical components and materials.


• Evaluate project requirements and identify potential cost, schedule, or manufacturing challenges.


• Work closely with engineering, purchasing, and production personnel to ensure estimates reflect actual manufacturing requirements.


• Prepare customer quotations and supporting documentation.


• Support sales and project teams by providing technical and costing information during the quotation process.


• Participate in project turnover meetings for awarded jobs.


• Review completed projects and compare actual costs to estimated costs to improve estimating accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control panel assembly, electrical manufacturing, estimating, or industrial electrical systems.


• Technical degree or certificate in Electrical Technology, Industrial Electricity, Automation Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field.


• Hands-on experience building and wiring industrial control panels.


• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, and customer specifications.


• Strong understanding of industrial electrical components, including:


• PLCs


• HMIs


• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)


• Motor starters and contactors


• Circuit breakers and disconnects


• Relays and control devices


• Power supplies


• Industrial networking and communication devices


• Strong understanding of panel shop manufacturing processes and labor requirements.


• Proficient in Microsoft Excel for estimating, cost analysis, pricing summaries, and labor calculations.


• Proficient in Microsoft Word for preparing quotations, proposals, and project documentation.


• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UL 508A industrial control panels.


• Previous estimating experience in a control panel manufacturing environment.


• Knowledge of NEC and industrial electrical standards.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced control panel builder or lead panel technician who has progressed through the panel shop environment and understands what it takes to build a control panel from start to finish. Their practical knowledge of materials, wiring, fabrication, testing, and labor requirements enables them to develop accurate estimates and support the successful execution of control panel projects.