Estimator - Data Center

Black Box; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Box Network Services is seeking an Estimator – Data Center Operations to support cost estimates for data center infrastructure projects. This role collaborates with project managers, engineers, procurement and vendors to ensure accurate estimates that drive profitable project delivery. The position is exempt and direct-hire, with remote work in the U.S.

and periodic travel to Plano HQ. Candidates should have 5+ years in estimating or related data center construction and strong

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related technical field
• 5+ years in estimating, project coordination, or data center construction
• Knowledge of Division 27 construction specifications in ISP environments
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, or cabling systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing cost estimates, BOMs, and labor projections for data center projects
• Interpret blueprints, specs, and scope documents to determine project requirements
• Collaborate with project engineers, field operations, and procurement to validate quantities, rates, and quotes
• Perform take-offs for structured cabling, electrical, and mechanical systems in data centers
• Support bid preparation and submission for RFPs and client proposals
• Update and maintain historical cost data, unit pricing, and vendor rate databases
• Assist with change order analysis and cost impacts
• Ensure estimates comply with company standards, safety requirements, and client expectations
• Participate in site visits and pre-bid meetings to gather technical details
• Contribute to process improvements to increase estimating accuracy and efficiency

Skills

Estimating

Project coordination

Data center construction

Excel

Bluebeam

BOMs

Take-offs

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Trimble

Accubid

PlanSwift

Job description

TheEstimator – Data Center Operationssupports the preparation, analysis, and development of project cost estimates for data center infrastructure projects. This role is ideal for detail-oriented professionals with a technical mindset who want to grow within data center construction, structured cabling, and mission-critical operations.

The Estimator will work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and vendors to ensure accurate and competitive estimates that support successful project delivery and profitability.

Position Details

• Exempt Salaried position
• Direct Hire
• Standard work hours: Must be flexible, varies upon project demands
• Location: U.S. Remote - prefer near Plano, TX
• Travel - up to 15% (mainly to Plano HQ)
  

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparingcost estimates,bills of materials (BOMs), andlabor projectionsfor data center construction and infrastructure projects.
• Interpretblueprints, specifications, and scope documentsto determine project requirements.
• Collaborate withproject engineers, field operations, and procurementto validate material quantities, labor rates, and vendor quotes.
• Performtake-offsfor structured cabling, electrical, and mechanical systems related to data centers.
• Supportbid preparation and submissionfor RFPs and client proposals.
• Update and maintainhistorical cost data, unit pricing, and vendor rate databases.
• Assist withchange order analysis, validating scope adjustments and cost impacts.
• Ensure all estimates comply withcompany standards, safety requirements, and client expectations.
• Participate insite visitsand pre-bid meetings to gather technical and logistical details.
• Contribute to process improvements that increase estimating accuracy and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Education:Associate or Bachelor’s degree inConstruction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience:5+ years in estimating, project coordination, or data center construction (internships or field experience acceptable).
• Knowledge of Division 27 construction specifications in ISP environments
• Strong understanding ofelectrical, mechanical, or cabling systemsused in mission-critical facilities.
• Proficiency inMicrosoft Excel,Bluebeam, and estimating software (e.g.,Trimble,Accubid, orPlanSwift).
• Ability to read and interprettechnical drawings and specifications.
• Strongnumerical accuracy, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Excellentcommunication and teamworkskills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity withBICSI standards,data center design concepts, orstructured cabling.
• Exposure tovendor bid comparisons,RFP processes, orcost control systems.
• Basic knowledge ofAutoCAD,Revit, orconstruction scheduling software.
• Experience working in afast-paced environmentwith tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Eagerness to learn and advance within the estimating and project management career path.
• Collaborative and dependable team contributor.
• Resilient and adaptable to changing priorities in a high-volume environment.

Career Path

This position serves as an entry point intoData Center Project Estimating and Operations Management, with growth potential toward roles such asEstimator,Senior Estimator, orProject Engineer.

Note: This job description outlines the general nature of the responsibilities and duties executed by this position. Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned as reasonably needed or required.

About Us

Black Box Network Services is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, deploy and manage their IT infrastructure. We deliver high-value products and services through our global presence and 3,000 team members.

What’s in it for You at Black Box Network Services?

Black Box provides challenging work that creates advancement opportunities within the organization for those demonstrating desire and aptitude through their achievements. We have no shortage of opportunities. If you are looking for a business that allows for individual reward and growth, we are the place for you!

Black Box does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status, and endorses those policies and practices which seek to recruit, hire, train and promote the most qualified persons into available jobs.

Visit blackbox.com to learn more.