Estimator

Knobelsdorff; Minnesota; On-site; USD 70,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid health and dental

HSA contributions

Company-paid life insurance and long‑/

Job summary

Knobelsdorff is seeking a Solar Estimator to evaluate project information, review designs, create proposals, and manage vendor quotes for photovoltaic installations across the US.

You will develop bid packages, solicit pricing, and lead pricing accuracy with internal/external teams. This role requires 2–5 years estimating experience, Heavy Bid proficiency, and travel.

Qualifications

• ,
• 2-5 years of prior estimating experience, or a combination of education, estimating, and field experience.
• HCSS Heavy Bid experience (estimating software) Solar experience preferred.
• Background in general estimating, solar, construction management, or project management.
• Ability to work on multiple projects, tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Estimating Software Experience preferred (Heavy Bid, Accubid, B2W).
• Knowledge of scheduling principals and software (MS Project or P6) Preferred.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel once a month.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Proactively review bid packages and lead or participate in developing high-quality pricing and proposal.
• Develop or lead the development of comprehensive bid packages for submittal to the client.
• Develop and manage RFPs for various packages and solicit proposals from vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Direct customer interface throughout the bidding and design process.
• Work with internal and external team members to solicit pricing and provide a complete bid package with complete ownership through the entire bidding process.
• Request pricing for bonds, sales tax, insurance, prevailing wage, and other pricing requirements as projects require.
• Review historical project data and lessons learned with construction teams to further refine and increase the accuracy of the pricing model.
• Development of complete and accurate solar and battery storage estimates ranging from 1MW to 50+MW projects.
• Estimate self-perform labor and equipment production costs to be incorporated into the proposal.
• Prepare, and present bid detailed contractual proposals for clarification to the client.
• Understanding of solar project scope, schedule, and cost to build conforming bid.
• Write, modify, and define detailed project scope to communicate to the customer what is included/excluded from the proposal.
• Continually maintain a solar estimating database of pricing and assemblies
• A desire for the continued growth of knowledge and understanding of the solar market.
• Provide technical assistance such as interpretation of drawings, recommending construction methods, specify and order materials, tools and equipment.
• Identify potential project risks and bring them forward for discussion, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide detailed hand-off package and continued project support as needed to Preconstruction and Construction project teams.
• Manage project files, drawings, documents & records in our project system.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Estimating

Solar experience

Multi-project management

Communication

Tools

HCSS Heavy Bid

Accubid

B2W

MS Project

Primavera P6

MS Excel

SharePoint

Job description

Working at Knobelsdorff Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands‑on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Working at Knobelsdorff Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting‑edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands‑on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family‑owned company in 1988, we\'ve grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work. If you\'re ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you.

Job Description Purpose: The Solar Estimator is responsible for evaluating project information, reviewing project designs, creating project proposals, soliciting and reviewing vendor and subcontractor quotes, and determining the costs associated with various photovoltaic installations throughout the US.

Responsibilities

• Proactively review bid packages and lead or participate in developing high‑quality pricing and proposal.
• Develop or lead the development of comprehensive bid packages for submittal to the client.
• Develop and manage RFP’s for various packages and solicit proposals from vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Direct customer interface throughout the bidding and design process.
• Work with internal and external team members to solicit pricing and provide a complete bid package with complete ownership through the entire bidding process.
• Request pricing for bonds, sales tax, insurance, prevailing wage, and other pricing requirements as projects require.
• Review historical project data and lessons learned with construction teams to further refine and increase the accuracy of the pricing model.
• Development of complete and accurate solar and battery storage estimates ranging from 1MW to 50+MW projects.
• Estimate self‑perform labor and equipment production costs to be incorporated into the proposal.
• Prepare, and present bid detailed contractual proposals for clarification to the client.
• Understanding of solar project scope, schedule, and cost to build conforming bid.
• Write, modify, and define detailed project scope to communicate to the customer what is included/excluded from the proposal.
• Continually maintain a solar estimating database of pricing and assemblies
• A desire for the continued growth of knowledge and understanding of the solar market.
• Provide technical assistance such as interpretation of drawings, recommending construction methods, specify and order materials, tools and equipment.
• Identify potential project risks and bring them forward for discussion, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide detailed hand‑off package and continued project support as needed to Preconstruction and Construction project teams.
• Manage project files, drawings, documents & records in our project system.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What You\'ll Bring:

• 2-5 years of prior estimating experience, or a combination of education, estimating, and field experience.
• HCSS Heavy Bid experience (estimating software) Solar experience prefered.
• Background in general estimating, solar, construction management, or project management.
• Ability to work on multiple projects, tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Estimating Software Experience preferred (Heavy Bid, Accubid, B2W).
• Knowledge of scheduling principals and software (MS Project or P6) Preferred.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel once a month.
• Possess a valid driver\’s license.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Additional Information

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $70,000 to $115,000 per year Depending on Experience.

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Total Rewards Statement

• 100% employer‑paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Profit sharing and performance‑based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and walk for extended periods of time
• Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources at 651-923-4970 or via email at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we\’ll work with you.