Estimator – Data Center Operations

PlanIT Group; Plano, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PlanIT Group is seeking an estimating professional to support cost, BOMs, and labor projections for data center construction projects in Plano, TX. You will interpret blueprints and scope documents to determine requirements, and work with engineers, operations, and procurement to validate quantities and vendor quotes.

The role emphasizes take-offs for structured cabling, electrical and mechanical systems, bid preparation, and maintaining historical cost data.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3–5 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 of electrical, mechanical, or cabling systems used in mission‑critical facilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software (e.g., Trimble, Accubid, or PlanSwift).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical accuracy, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing cost estimates, BOMs, and labor projections for data center projects.
• Interpret blueprints, specifications, and scope documents to determine requirements.
• Collaborate with project engineers, field ops, and procurement to validate material quantities, labor rates, and vendor quotes.
• Perform take-offs for structured cabling, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• 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, validating scope adjustments and cost impacts.
• Ensure estimates comply with company standards, safety requirements, and client expectations.
• Participate in site visits and pre-bid meetings to gather details.
• Contribute to process improvements that increase estimating accuracy and efficiency.

Skills

Estimating

Project coordination

Data center construction

Reading drawings and specs

Vendor communications

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Trimble/Accubid/PlanSwift

AutoCAD/Revit (optional)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing cost estimates, bills of materials (BOMs), and labor projections for data center construction and infrastructure projects.
• Interpret blueprints, specifications, and scope documents to determine project requirements.
• Collaborate with project engineers, field operations, and procurement to validate material quantities, labor rates, and vendor quotes.
• Perform take-offs for structured cabling, electrical, and mechanical systems related to 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, validating scope adjustments and cost impacts.
• Ensure all estimates comply with company standards, safety requirements, and client expectations.
• Participate in site visits and 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 in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3-5 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 of electrical, mechanical, or cabling systems used in mission-critical facilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software (e.g., Trimble, Accubid, or PlanSwift).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical accuracy, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with BICSI standards, data center design concepts, or structured cabling.
• Exposure to vendor bid comparisons, RFP processes, or cost control systems.
• Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, or construction scheduling software.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.