Electrical Estimator

Knutson-Construction; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Performance Based Career Advancement

Medical, Dental and Vision

Health Savings Account with employer

Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off

Life and Long-Term Disability Benefit

Mentorship Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Flex Fridays

401k w/Company Match

Annual Discretionary Bonus Program

Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Knutson Construction is seeking an Electrical Estimator in Minneapolis, MN to lead electrical estimates for commercial projects. You will analyze drawings, prepare takeoffs, develop cost models, and partner with owners, design professionals, and subcontractors to create competitive, accurate bids.

The ideal candidate holds a 4-year degree in CM/EE or related field with 5–7 years of relevant experience and a proven ability to drive value while meeting project goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in CM/EE/engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Experience with electrical systems and value engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare accurate electrical estimates for commercial projects.
• Develop quantity takeoffs for distribution, lighting, and low-voltage systems.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor quotations to ensure coverage and pricing.
• Prepare cost analyses including labor, materials, and general conditions.
• Participate in bid strategy meetings and present VE options.
• Coordinate with project teams to identify risks and clarify scope.
• Support design-build and negotiated project delivery during preconstruction.
• Mentor junior estimators and assist with onboarding and training.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management

Electrical Engineering

Engineering

Architecture

Tools

Estimating software

BIM platforms

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

Celebrated as one of Minnesota’s Top Workplaces! Knutson Construction is accepting applications for a Electrical Estimator to join our team in Minneapolis, MN.

“Together We Make Dreams Real” – that is our purpose as a company and we exist to work in concert with each other, owners, design professionals and subcontractors to make the journey as stress-free as possible. Together, we’ve created a dynamic, fun, inspiring environment where we can be ourselves and grow each day. Knutson is deeply committed to cultivating and upholding diversity throughout our workforce, relationships, and communities. We recognize the utmost importance of continually advancing our comprehension of diversity, equity, and inclusion as transformative forces within our work, industry, and company values.

At Knutson, opportunities to shine happen daily. We value what makes you different and empower you to act on your ideas.

You will be responsible for preparing and leading accurate electrical estimates and preconstruction services for commercial construction projects. This role partners with project teams, owners, design professionals, and trade partners to develop competitive and profitable construction solutions involving power distribution, lighting systems, low-voltage and communications infrastructure, fire alarm systems, renewable energy solutions, and other building electrical systems. The Electrical Estimator plays a key role in securing new work, identifying project risks and opportunities, supporting value engineering efforts, and ensuring successful project transitions to operations.

The key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Independently prepare accurate electrical estimates for commercial construction projects from conceptual design through construction documents.
• Build and maintain accurate electrical scope unit costs, cost models, and historical database.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, BIM models, and other project documentation to determine scope requirements, risk areas, and pricing strategies.
• Develop detailed quantity takeoffs for electrical distribution, lighting, low-voltage systems, fire alarm systems, power generation, and related electrical systems using estimating and takeoff software.
• Support negotiated project pursuits for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure complete scope coverage and competitive pricing.
• Prepare detailed cost analyses including labor, equipment, productivity factors, materials, subcontractors, escalation, and general conditions.
• Participate in bid strategy meetings and recommend pricing approaches based on project risks, market conditions, and competitive landscape.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and design inconsistencies, and coordinate clarification questions with project stakeholders.
• Support design-build and negotiated project delivery efforts by collaborating with operations, design teams, and trade partners during preconstruction.
• Develop and present value engineering options that reduce costs, improve constructability, and maintain project quality objectives.
• Perform electrical conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimating for negotiated projects.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, design reviews, and client presentations as needed.
• Assist in preparing proposal packages, clarifications, assumptions, qualifications, and bid submission documentation.
• Partner with Operations during project turnover to communicate estimating assumptions, opportunities, and project risks.
• Develops accurate quantity takeoff and cost models using 2D and 3D software
• Prepare documentation for each milestone estimate.
• Works closely with Operations and senior level estimators on subcontractor analysis and buyout processes on negotiated projects.
• May attend interviews on project pursuits.

Miscellaneous Items:

• Delivers The Knutson Experience.
• Maintain current knowledge of electrical construction means and methods, market pricing trends, labor productivity, and emerging technologies.
• Keeps senior level estimators informed of key issues/opportunities that impact project success.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Participate in post-award estimate reviews and project postmortems to compare estimated versus actual costs and improve future estimate accuracy.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of historical cost databases, benchmark information, and estimating best practices.
• Mentor junior estimators and assist with onboarding and training activities when appropriate.
• Continuously works to enhance personal skills/abilities to retain a motivated, professional workforce for Knutson Construction.
• Identifies training and/or development opportunities that will assist them in achieving enhanced job performance and/or career objectives.
• Works closely with senior level staff to promote and leverage the use of technology by staff.
• Respond to and complete all other duties, tasks and/or projects assigned
• Participation and completion in scheduled and as-needed safety training, as determined by the company.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong planning, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills in a cross functional environment
• Strong multi-tasking skills allowing them to work on various projects on the same day.
• Motivated to use the latest AI software, technology, and tools available to transform the future of the estimating profession.
• Individual must be collaborative and positive
• Highly organized, able to prioritize and complete tasks efficiently.
• Ability to travel to various construction sites; ability to physically review project sites which may involve use of stairways and mobilizing around the existing landscape.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time using a computer and reading plans/specifications.
• Ability to lift bid documents (plans and specifications) as needed, which can weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Architecture, or related field and 5-7 years of commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, electrical contracting, or related experience.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Architecture, or related field and 5-7 years of commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, mechanical contracting, or related experience.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Experience estimating electrical distribution, lighting, power systems, low-voltage systems, fire alarm systems, and other building electrical systems.
• Experience with design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid project delivery methods.
• Proficiency with estimating software, BIM platforms, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of electrical equipment procurement, labor productivity analysis, power distribution systems, and construction sequencing.
• Experience with healthcare, higher education, mission critical, industrial, or large commercial projects preferred.

Additional Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Pay
• Performance Based Career Advancement
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off
• Life and Long-Term Disability Benefit with no premium cost to employee
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Flex Fridays
• 401k w/Company Match
• Annual Discretionary Bonus Program
• Successful Annual Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program
• Paid Parental Leave

Projected Minimum Base Salary per year $72,000

Projected Maximum Base Salary per year $125,000

Knutson Construction does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of their race, color, national origin, religion, creed, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, or status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.