Estimator

Prime Controls; Boise (ID); Remote; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

401k matching

Generous PTO

ESOP

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Job summary

Prime Controls is seeking an Estimator to analyze drawings, specifications, and proposals to build accurate material quotes and labor estimates for I&E projects. The role involves developing detailed costs, evaluating vendor pricing, and preparing proposals within accelerated timelines.

You will read P&IDs and drawings, assess customer requirements, and collaborate with engineering, procurement, and field teams to ensure cost alignment and competitiveness. Remote options are available.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret plan drawings (I&C, Mechanical and Electrical).
• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs from plans and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of PLC and/or DCS systems and instrumentation.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with estimating tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze drawings, specs, and RFPs to prepare material quotes and labor estimates.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for I&E projects that are accurate and competitive.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, procurement, vendors, and field teams to validate scope and costs.
• Write sound technical proposals with documentation to support estimates during audits.

Skills

Plan drawings

Quantity takeoffs

Excel

Bluebeam

P&IDs

I&C systems

Multitasking

Detail orientation

Vendor negotiation

Education

Engineering or Construction Management degree

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Autodesk

NECA estimating

Job description

Estimator

Location: US-ID-Boise

ID: 2026-2298

• Category: Estimating
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Remote Work: Yes

About Prime

Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients' industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees' well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.

Overview

As a Estimator, you will analyze drawings, specifications, RFPs, proposals, and other documentation to prepare material quotes, direct costs, and labor estimates for projects and services.

A Typical Day at Prime Controls

• Low voltage electrical estimating expertise.
• Perform preconstruction engineering reviews and assessments of plans, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for I&E projects that are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements.
• Write RFIs to clarify scope and support estimates.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Prepare cost estimates and proposals for change orders, often within accelerated turnaround requirements.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, drawings, specifications, and equipment details to develop accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Review customer information to determine material, equipment, and labor requirements and develop detailed itemized takeoffs including copper, ethernet, fiber optic, and low voltage cabling systems.
• Understand and estimate control panel and field instrument mounting requirements.
• Determine conduit and cable tray sizing requirements based on field wiring, instrumentation, control panels, valves, and equipment details.
• Develop material and labor estimates using established estimating tools and methodologies.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations to support competitive project pricing.
• Maintain current pricing databases using vendor and subcontractor quotations received during the bidding process.
• Write sound technical proposal with supporting documentation to substantiate estimates during audits.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, procurement, vendors, subcontractors, and field teams to validate scope, quantities, labor requirements, and costs.
• Identify and recommend improvements to estimating tools and processes to increase accuracy, efficiency, and cost alignment.
• Determine NECA classification ratings for estimate.

What You Will Bring

• Ability to read and understand plan drawings (I&C, Mechanical and Electrical).
• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs from plan drawings and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of PLC and/or DCS Systems.
• Knowledge of Instrumentation and Control Valve Products.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and meet strict deadlines.
• Advanced Proficiency in Excel. Proficient in other Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficient in Bluebeam software.
• Proposal, scope, and/or technical writing experience.
• Construction experience preferred.
• Semiconductor or Advanced Manufacturing expertise requested, but not required.
• Experience with construction project management platforms, such as Procore or Autodesk, preferred.
• I&E installation experience preferred.
• Engineering or Construction Management degree preferred.
• BIM awareness and an understanding of how Building Information Modeling supports estimating, quantity takeoffs, constructability, and project coordination preferred.
• Experience with NECA and/or BICSI estimating methodologies preferred.

Engineering Degree or Related Work Experience

Benefits

What We Offer:

• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Generous PTO
• Numerous culture events
• ESOP
• 401k matching and more!

Work Environment & Physical Demands (Text Only)

Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EEO

Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer.

As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.