Electrical Estimator: Drive Profitable Bid Budgets

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

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.