Electrical Estimator

Continental Electrical Construction Co.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental Electrical Construction Company is seeking an electrical estimator who can review drawings and specifications to determine labor costs for electrical construction projects. The role requires strong communication, accurate budgeting, and the ability to handle multiple bids.

You will download project documents, organize estimate files, set up estimating software, and coordinate with field teams and clients on change orders and forecasts.

Qualifications

• Electrical apprenticeship graduation preferred.
• 7+ years in electrical construction with 3–4 years in commercial estimating.
• Ability to derive time and materials from CAD drawings and specs.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Accubid or similar software.
• Excellent attention to detail and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Download project documents and organize the estimate file; set up Accubid and Live Count.
• Support PM in Work in Progress management and change orders; communicate with field teams and clients; forecast work progress.
• Produce takeoffs, estimate entries, quote/subcontract review, estimate summaries, and proposal letters; review scope with customers and estimate comeback items.
• Review project documents, specifications and bid forms; proactively submit RFIs to define scope of work.
• Organize bid packages, deliver to purchasing, and respond to vendor questions.

Skills

Electrical estimation

Communication

Education

Electrical apprenticeship

Tools

Accubid

Microsoft Office

Job description

An electrical estimator reviews drawings and specifications and accurately determines labor costs for electrical construction jobs. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential for drafting detailed proposal letters, effectively communicating decisions, and completing a comprehensive estimate. This position includes budgeting and cost estimating, with the ability to handle multiple bids at once and adapt to project size.

What you’ll do:

Data Acquisition and Organization:

Download project documents, organize the estimate file, set up Accubid and Live Count, and identify gaps that require attention.

Support Project Manager in Work in Progress Management:

Facilitate effective project management by managing documentation, assisting with the development of change orders, fostering communication with field teams and clients, and managing task finances, including forecasting work progress and monitoring important project logs.

Estimate Development and Review:

Produce accurate takeoff and estimate entry, quote/subcontract review, estimate summarization, and proposal letter composition. Review scope with customers and estimate "comeback" items.

Scope Definition and Clarification:

Review project documents, specifications and bid forms. Proactively prepare and submit RFIs as needed to define the scope of work.

Acquiring Quotes and Subcontracts:

Organize bid packages, deliver them to the purchasing department, and respond to vendor questions when necessary.

What you’ll need:

• Electrical apprenticeship school graduation preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of electrical construction industry experience required; at least 3-4 years commercial electrical estimating.
• Ability to ascertain necessary time and materials thoroughly based on CAD drawings and job specifications.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with Accubid preferred or similar software.
• Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Strong focus on providing exceptional customer service.

Founded in 1912, Continental Electrical Construction Company is the number one electrical construction company in Chicago and its suburbs, as well as one of the largest in the Midwest. Dozens of landmark structures bear our imprint. From high rises to health care facilities, factories to financial centers, data centers to educational facilities, hotels to recreational and shopping centers, Continental satisfies all electrical construction needs.

Working for Continental Electrical Construction provides:

• Assistance, tools, and resources for success
• A collaborative, engaging, and respectful workplace
• Fulfilling career opportunities and skills development
• A values-based working environment:
  • E: Everyone United
  • N: Nurture Communication
  • E: Enforce Accountability
  • R: Relationships Matter
  • G: Growth and Development
  • Y: You Make the Difference

Continental Electrical Construction offers a competitive salary that may vary based on the scope and responsibilities of the role and the candidate’s relevant experience, education, and skills.

We also offer a comprehensive benefits program including:

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• profit sharing
• retirement benefits
• company-provided life and disability insurance
• generous paid time off
• paid holidays
• parental leave
• volunteer time off
• tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• company-subsidized wellness programs

Continental Electrical Construction is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military status, arrest or conviction record, source of income, or credit history.