Electrical Estimator

Sylvan, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvan, Inc. in Knoxville, TN is actively seeking an experienced Electrical Estimator to lead the bid and cost estimation process for electrical construction projects, including DOE work.

The role requires coordination with clients, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure accurate, timely estimates and successful project execution. The ideal candidate has strong technical knowledge of electrical systems, excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple bids

Qualifications

• Experience estimating electrical construction projects for commercial/industrial sectors.
• Ability to analyze drawings, specs, and bid documents for accurate cost development.
• Strong communication with clients, engineers, and subcontractors is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire estimate for bid submissions and related proposals.
• Clarify scope with customers and team; maintain relationships to promote return business.
• Analyze drawings, specs, and quantities to develop detailed cost and labor estimates.
• Determine scope, material/labor needs, overhead, markup, and contingencies.
• Prepare bid proposals and participate in pre-bid meetings and site assessments.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors for pricing and technical data.
• Support operations with work breakdowns, estimate hours, and change requests.
• Develop recap sheets to finalize prices for each estimate.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Project management

Communication

Cost analysis

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technologies/ construction management

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Accubid or similar estimating software

Job description

We are currently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Electrical Estimator with a strong background in electrical construction to join our growing team supporting construction projects for the Department of Energy, the Knoxville, Tennessee area, and throughout various locations out of state. This individual will play a pivotal role in managing all phases of electrical projects, from the initial estimating and proposal stage through execution and final closeout. The ideal candidate will demonstrate technical expertise in electrical systems, strong leadership capabilities, and exceptional organizational and communication skills.

This position demands a strategic thinker who can balance technical precision with effective project oversight. As a key member of our Electrical Division, you will collaborate closely with clients, architects, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure that all project goals are achieved safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the entire estimate for a bid submission preparation while taking on other critic
• Communicate with the customers, engineers, and other team members to clarify scope and any other issues related to the estimate. Cultivate & maintain relationships with customers to promote return business
• Analyze and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications to develop detailed cost and labor estimates
• Determine the scope of work, identify material and labor needs, and calculate overhead, markup, and contingency allowance
• Prepare comprehensive bid proposals and participate in the bidding process, including attending pre-bid meetings and conducting site assessments. Write estimate specification scope letters of inclusions and exclusions to better clarify an electrical proposal
• Engage with suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturers to gather pricing and technical
• Support Operations with specific work breakdowns, estimate hours, large change requests, and scope inclusions as it relates to an estimate
• Provide cost analysis and review for multiple types of project
• Develop Recapitulation Sheets (Recap sheet) to arrive at a final price for each estimate
• Understand building crews based on overtime requirements, scheduling, equipment
• Be able to coordinate and run Risk Reviews to assure upper management that all factors have been considered during the estimating process
• Understand equipment and schedule impacts on project
• Proficient in Accubid or similar estimating software to properly complete the take-off and quantification processes
• Assist in the development of Junior Estimators answer questions, help make decisions, and provide support as required
• Work with sales and business development teams to support proposal development

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in electrical estimating
• Proven track record of successful project estimates in commercial or industries
• In-depth knowledge of electrical systems, installation methods, codes, and regulations
• Proficiency with estimating, scheduling, and project management software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of interacting with clients, team members, and third parties professionally
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technologies, Business or Construction Management, or a related field strongly preferred
• Active and relevant industry certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED, OSHA 30, Journeyman or Master Electrician License) are a