Electrical Estimator

Sun Tribe; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Volunteer days

Job summary

Sun Tribe EPC, based in Charlottesville, VA, is seeking an Electrical Estimator to develop accurate, competitive estimates for small utility-scale solar and storage projects. You will work with Preconstruction, Engineering, and Supply Chain to collect pricing, assess risks, and craft bid-ready cost stacks.

The role requires 2+ years in electrical estimating, strong Excel skills, and the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent construction experience.
• Minimum two years electrical estimating experience.
• Strong Excel skills and understanding of electrical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Owns the development of project-level internal estimates (Cost Stacks).
• Performs detailed quantity takeoffs for DC and AC electrical systems for solar and storage projects.
• Develops detailed electrical cost estimates, budgets, and proposals.
• Analyzes drawings, specs, and owner requirements to determine scope and risks.
• Coordinates with Supply Chain and Engineering for pricing and scope information.
• Creates RFPs and leads bid clarifications with subcontractors.
• Reviews subcontractor proposals for gaps, exclusions, and pricing differences.

Skills

Excel

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Multi-estimate mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Trimble Accubid

PlanSwift

ConEst IntelliBid

Procore

MS Project

Job description

Job Summary

Sun Tribe EPC ("Sun Tribe") is Virginia’s premier utility-scale solar design and build firm, specializing in sub-20MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities. Our construction efforts are focused throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and neighboring states. At Sun Tribe, we build with purpose - prioritizing safety, quality, and environmental stewardship in every project we deliver.

Sun Tribe EPC’s Preconstruction Team’s mission is to develop quality business opportunities that enable efficient delivery in a predictable manner. The Electrical Estimator plays an important role in that mission by developing accurate and competitive electrical and mechanical project estimates for small utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects.

The Electrical Estimator independently manages the non-civil estimating scope for assigned opportunities, working closely with Civil Estimating, Project Engineering, Supply Chain, subcontractors, project owners, and developers. This role develops project estimates, evaluates subcontractor and vendor pricing, identifies scope and cost risks and opportunities, and supports projects from early-stage estimating through award, project budgeting, and deliberate handoff to Project Management.

This position reports directly to the VP of Preconstruction and serves as the electrical estimating subject matter expert for Preconstruction and cross-functional project teams.

Principal Responsibilities

• Owns the development and completion of project-level internal estimates ("Cost Stacks"), excluding civil site work developed by the Civil Estimator.
• Performs detailed quantity takeoffs for DC and AC electrical systems from back of module to point of interconnection for solar and battery energy storage projects.
• Develops detailed electrical cost estimates, budgets, and proposals based on quantity takeoffs and vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Analyzes electrical drawings, specifications, owner requirements, and other project documentation to determine scope, schedule, quantities, risks, and opportunities.
• Analyzes labor, material, and equipment costs to develop accurate and competitive bids.
• Coordinates with Supply Chain and Engineering to obtain equipment, material, engineering, and other applicable project pricing and scope information.
• Creates comprehensive RFPs and leads bid clarification and scope review discussions with electrical and mechanical subcontractors.
• Reviews and levels subcontractor proposals to identify scope gaps, qualifications, exclusions, risks, and pricing differences.
• Develops project-specific inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications for electrical and mechanical scopes that align with client requirements and project objectives.
• Develops independent, stand‑alone electrical estimates for assigned bids to evaluate subcontractor pricing.
• Collaborates with Project Management and Supply Chain to ensure estimates, RFPs, subcontractor proposals, and supporting documentation are completed in accordance with bid schedules.
• Supports development and maintenance of a qualified electrical and mechanical subcontractor network to promote a healthy and competitive bidding environment.
• Converts bid estimates into project budgets following project award and provides estimating support for change orders and RFIs as needed.
• Supports deliberate project handoff from Preconstruction to Project Management by communicating estimate assumptions, scope, pricing, inclusions and exclusions, risks, opportunities, and relevant bid history.
• Compares actual project costs to estimates and incorporates lessons learned into future estimating practices.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, historical pricing data, SOPs, and processes.

Basic Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline preferred, or equivalent relevant engineering, design, or construction experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of electrical estimating experience required.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering drawings, design documents, specifications, and construction methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and bid deadlines simultaneously.

Skills & Experience Preferred

• Experience performing electrical quantity takeoffs and developing construction cost estimates.
• Experience estimating medium-voltage interconnected solar facilities.
• Experience with electrical estimating software such as Trimble Accubid, McCormick, ConEst IntelliBid, PlanSwift, or similar.
• Experience with Procore or other construction management software.
• Experience with scheduling software such as MS Project.
• Experience using AI tools to support estimating, analysis, or process efficiency.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with subcontractors, vendors, and cross-functional internal teams.
• Alignment with Sun Tribe's core values: Community, Safety, Perpetual Improvement, Nature, Joy, and Respect.
• Commitment to a culture of safety, accountability, and high-quality project delivery.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Hybrid work environment, with work performed remotely and from Sun Tribe’s Charlottesville office based on business needs.
• Ability to travel to the Charlottesville office, project sites, and other business locations as needed, typically averaging one to two trips per month. Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required based on bid deadlines and business needs.
• Ability to perform work in a general office and hybrid work environment.
• Exposure to typical construction site conditions and hazards during project site visits.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while on project sites.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity.

This position is eligible for Sun Tribe’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, paid time off, volunteer days, and access to an employee assistance program.

Sun Tribe is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, family medical or genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Sun Tribe complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Sun Tribe operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Sun Tribe EPC, LLC is a drug‑free workplace and participates in E-Verify. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and employment eligibility verification through E-Verify.

Read more about our company values and about Sun Tribe EPC at https://suntribesolar.com/epc

By submitting an application, I certify that the information I have provided, including my application, resume, and any supporting materials, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement, material omission, or misrepresentation may result in the rejection of my application or, if employed, disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. I also authorize Sun Tribe or its designated third-party representative to contact the professional references I have provided for the purpose of verifying my qualifications and suitability for employment.