Electrical Estimator

PMEP; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PMEP is seeking an Electrical Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical construction projects. You will analyze drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes while supporting preconstruction and project teams.

The role involves identifying project risks, evaluating scope requirements, supporting value engineering, and coordinating with operations, project management, vendors, and trade

Qualifications

• Three to seven years of electrical estimating or electrical field experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial and industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in design-build or preconstruction environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from electrical drawings including power, lighting, low voltage, and fire alarm systems.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to define full project scope.
• Develop complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates based on project phase and available information.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and potential project risks during the estimating process.
• Support value engineering and cost-saving initiatives while maintaining system performance and quality standards.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Electrical systems

Reading drawings

Analytical skills

Multi-estimates management

Design-build experience

Tools

Accubid

ConEst

McCormick

Excel

Job description

About the Company

PMEP is a leading design-build mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor delivering high-quality, technically complex solutions across commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. Built on a foundation of craftsmanship, reliability, and deep technical expertise, PMEP partners closely with clients, designers, and builders to deliver integrated building systems that perform safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who take pride in precision, accountability, and collaboration. We believe that the systems we build are critical to how buildings operate and how people experience them, and we are committed to continuously improving how those systems are designed, installed, and maintained. Headquartered in the Greater New Orleans region, PMEP supports projects throughout the Southeast, delivering dependable execution and long-term value through every phase of construction.

About the Role

We're looking for an Electrical Estimator that will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for electrical construction projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop detailed pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes while supporting preconstruction and project teams throughout the bid process.

The Electrical Estimator plays a critical role in identifying project risks, evaluating scope requirements, supporting value engineering efforts, and helping position projects for successful execution. This position works closely with operations, project management, vendors, and trade partners to ensure complete and coordinated estimates aligned with project goals and company standards.

Core Responsibilities

Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from electrical drawings including power, lighting, low voltage, and fire alarm systems.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to define full project scope.
• Develop complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates based on project phase and available information.

Scope Analysis and Risk Evaluation

• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and potential project risks during the estimating process.
• Analyze constructability concerns and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and execution.
• Develop clarifications and qualifications to support accurate bid submissions and reduce exposure.
• Support value engineering and cost-saving initiatives while maintaining system performance and quality standards.

Vendor and Subcontractor Coordination

• Solicit pricing from vendors and subcontractors for applicable scopes of work.
• Evaluate proposals for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers and trade partners to confirm lead times, material availability, and pricing assumptions.
• Maintain strong working relationships with vendors and subcontractors to support competitive bidding efforts.

Preconstruction Support

• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope review meetings.
• Support preconstruction planning and coordination activities with operations and project management teams.
• Assist in developing preliminary schedules, logistics considerations, and project execution strategies.
• Coordinate turnover of awarded projects to project management and field operations teams.

Data Management and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain estimating databases, unit pricing, assemblies, and historical cost records.
• Track market trends, labor rates, and material pricing to improve estimate accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating workflows, tools, and best practices.
• Ensure documentation and estimate files are organized, accurate, and properly maintained.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to seven years of electrical estimating or electrical field experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial and industrial electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Accubid, ConEst, McCormick, or similar platforms.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and related estimating tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience in design-build or preconstruction environments preferred.

Core Competencies

Technical Understanding

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of electrical systems, materials, and installation methods.
• Understands construction sequencing, labor productivity, and project execution requirements.
• Applies technical expertise to develop accurate and complete estimates.

Analytical Thinking

• Uses data, drawings, and specifications to evaluate project scope and pricing.
• Identifies risks, inconsistencies, and cost drivers early in the estimating process.
• Develops practical solutions that balance cost, quality, and constructability.

Attention to Detail

• Maintains accuracy and consistency in quantity takeoffs, pricing, and estimate documentation.
• Reviews bid documents thoroughly to identify scope gaps and coordination issues.
• Ensures estimates are complete, organized, and properly supported.

Organization and Planning

• Manages multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
• Maintains structured workflows and estimating records.
• Plans work proactively to support bid schedules and project timelines.

Problem Solving and Accountability

• Approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Develops creative and practical approaches to cost and constructability challenges.
• Adapts quickly to evolving project requirements and market conditions.
• Takes ownership of estimate accuracy, completeness, and deliverables.
• Follows through on commitments and supports successful project turnover.
• Operates with professionalism and accountability in all interactions.

PMEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.