Estimator (Boston, MA)

CGL Electronic Security, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Take home service vehicle

Company phone and laptop

Health, Dental, Life and STD/LTD

Employee Assistance Program

HRA and HSA options

401K Plan options

Local travel within Greater Boston

Job summary

CGL Electronic Security, Inc. in Westwood, MA is seeking an Project Estimator to join our family‑owned team. You will own customer estimate requests from inquiry through proposal, surveying sites and developing integrated security system designs.

The role emphasizes accurate pricing, collaboration with vendors, and delivering competitive, profitable solutions across access control, video, intrusion, and monitoring. Assoc/Adv degrees preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ years estimating or related experience in electronic security.
• Ability to read construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficient with Excel for pricing and cost build-ups.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for site surveys.

Responsibilities

• Meet with customers for site surveys to assess security requirements.
• Review client needs across access control, video surveillance, alarm monitoring, intrusion detection, intercom, and related systems.
• Develop quotations and alternative system designs that balance requirements, technical fit, and budget.
• Collaborate with manufacturers and consultants to stay current on equipment features and emerging technologies.
• Design integrated security solutions with detailed component specifications and bills of material.
• Conduct site visits and maintain customer contact in response to sales requests.
• Create site drawings, including floor plans and system layout details.
• Develop pricing spreadsheets with clear options and alternatives.
• Verify estimate accuracy against project plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Maintain knowledge of security technologies and best practices.
• Coordinate with internal staff to ensure customer satisfaction and project profitability.
• Prepare and hand off complete scope and cost documentation to project management upon award.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Customer interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in construction management/engineering/business

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Estimator - CGL Electronic Security, Inc.

Location: Westwood, Massachusetts

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Vice President Engineering & Estimating

We are looking for motivated security professionals to join CGL's growing team as a Project Estimator and experience what the difference of our family business with a corporate structure can provide to further personal and professional development!

We are looking for team members to contribute to and deliver customer service excellence. Work alongside the finest team of highly skilled and industry-certified professionals who are encouraged to drive change and think outside of the box. As a team member, you will receive competitive benefits, industry training, and certifications on today's leading security products.

The Estimator serves as the company's primary technical support for the sales team, owning customer estimate requests and quotations from initial inquiry through proposal delivery. Working closely with clients, sales staff, manufacturers, and internal operations, the Estimator meets with customers, conducts site surveys, evaluates security needs, and develops accurate, competitive, and profitable design proposals across access control, video surveillance, alarm monitoring, and integrated security systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with customers and attend site surveys to assess security requirements and existing conditions.
• Review client needs across access control, video surveillance, alarm monitoring, intrusion detection, intercom, and related systems.
• Develop quotations and alternative system designs that balance customer requirements, technical fit, and budget.
• Collaborate with manufacturers and consultants to stay current on equipment features, capabilities, and emerging technologies.
• Design integrated security solutions with detailed component specifications and bills of material.
• Conduct site visits and maintain customer contact in response to sales requests.
• Create site drawings, including floor plans and system layout details.
• Develop pricing spreadsheets that present clear options and alternatives.
• Verify estimate accuracy against project plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Maintain current knowledge of security technologies, products, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with internal staff to ensure customer satisfaction and project profitability.
• Prepare and hand off complete, accurate scope and cost documentation to project management upon award.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One or more years of estimating, design, or quotation experience in electronic/low-voltage security, or equivalent hands-on experience in security system installation with direct exposure to estimating and take-offs.
• Working knowledge of electronic security systems, including access control, IP video/CCTV, intrusion/alarm, and intercom.
• Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) for pricing, take-offs, and cost build-ups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work directly with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, with strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple concurrent estimates and deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer sites for surveys and walk-throughs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to use AutoCAD to create drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field.
• Experience with estimating and take-off software and with CRM/PSA platforms (e.g., ConnectWise).
• Familiarity with manufacturer platforms such as access control (e.g., Software House, Lenel, Genetec) and video (e.g., Genetec, Avigilon, Milestone).

Compensation And Benefits

• Compensation $80-100k, based on experience
• Take home service vehicle
• Company provided phone and laptop
• Health, Dental, Life and STD and LTD Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• HRA and HSA options
• 401K Plan options
• Local travel required, primarily within the Greater Boston metropolitan region but may include other areas within Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.