Electrical Estimator

DeBra-Kuempel; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Company discounts

Job summary

DeBra-Kuempel in Cincinnati, OH is seeking an Electrical Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for electrical construction projects. You will analyze drawings, specifications, and project requirements to determine labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs, supporting profitable bids.

The role requires collaboration with project managers, field leadership, and union representatives, with a focus on adhering to NECA/IBEW contracts and bid deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in electrical engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Experience estimating for a union electrical contractor (IBEW signatory).
• Knowledge of NECA IBEW labor agreements, local wage sheets, and benefit structures.
• Familiarity with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage and public sector requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with project managers, field leadership, and union reps while maintaining compliance.
• Experience reading electrical drawings and building plans.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and takeoff tools.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities; team oriented.
• Ability to meet bid deadlines and coordinate with vendors and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, proposals, and documents to determine scope and requirements.
• Prepare detailed labor, material, and equipment cost estimates for commercial and industrial projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assess manpower and scheduling with project managers and service managers.
• Develop and submit accurate bid proposals within required timelines and lead times.
• Communicate with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams for pricing and clarification.
• Evaluate risks, costs, and profitability of projects.
• Maintain cost databases, labor rates, and material pricing to reflect market conditions.
• Support project managers during handoff and with change order pricing.
• Conduct site visits to validate estimating assumptions as needed.
• Apply union wages/fringes per local CBAs and coordinate site visits to verify conditions.

Skills

Cost estimation

Labor cost analysis

Reading electrical drawings

Takeoffs / quantities

Bid coordination

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Negotiation skills

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, construction management, or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Spreadsheets

Takeoff tools

Job description

We are a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); building automation; and industrial piping contractor. Our team offers a variety of MEP and process piping services, including design-build engineering for new construction and renovation, installation and specialty construction, maintenance, and air balancing, start-up, and energy efficiency services.

Job Summary

DeBra -Kuempel is seeking to fill an Electrical Estimator position . The Electrical Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical construction projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, and project requirements to determine labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs. Electrical Estimators play a key role in supporting profitable bidding decisions and ensuring projects are planned within budget and in compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Review and analyze electrical drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documents to determine project scope and requirements
• Prepare detailed labor, material, and equipment cost estimates for commercial and industrial electrical projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assess manpower and scheduling while coordinating with Project Managers / Service Managers
• Develop and submit accurate and competitive bid proposals within required timelines and lead times based on current market
• Communicate with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams to obtain pricing and clarify
• Evaluate project risks, cost uncertainties, and potential profitability
• Maintain and update cost databases, labor rates, and material pricing to reflect market conditions
• Support project managers during handoff and assist with change order pricing as needed
• Conduct site visits when necessary to validate estimating assumptions
• Accurately apply union negotiated wages / fringes per local CBA’s
• Coordinate site visits to verify existing conditions
• Support coordination meetings and job turnover meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, construction management, or a related field
• Prior experience estimating work for a union electrical contractor (IBEW signatory)
• Working knowledge of NECA IBEW labor agreements, local wage sheets, and benefit structures
• Familiarity with prevailing wage (Davis Bacon) and public sector construction requirements (where applicable)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, field leadership, and union representatives while maintaining contractual compliance
• Prior experience as an electrician or field technician also applies
• Experience in electrical estimating or electrical contractin g, with strong understanding of electrical systems and construction practices
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, and building plans.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and takeoff tools
• Knowledge of applicable electrical codes and industry
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Team oriented
• Time management and ability to meet bid deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, and vendors
• Commitment to safe, productive, and agreement compliant project execution

#debra

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to commute to field locations. The employee must have the ability to navigate around job site locations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee should expect to sit for long periods in front of a computer and also travel to field locations as needed.

While visiting field locations, the employee may be required to work outdoors, be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical and electrical parts; high, precarious places; dust, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions, extended exposure to sunlight; cold and heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the field work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Benefits

DeBra-Kuempel offers a competitive benefits package to non-union employees, including health benefits, paid time off, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, company discounts, and more. Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement will receive benefits as negotiated within their specific CBA and may be eligible to participate in our voluntary supplemental union benefits program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Affirmative Action Policy

Please review our Affiantive Action Policy.