Estimator- Energy

Sargent Electric; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sargent Electric Company is seeking an experienced EPC Estimator to develop accurate estimates and compelling proposals for renewable energy projects. This role supports profitability through competitive bids and strong estimating leadership.

You will analyze plans, perform takeoffs in HeavyBid, Accubid, ConEst, and Excel, mentor junior estimators, and partner with project teams to ensure budgets and schedules align. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating or field construction experience.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring team members.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents.
• Proficiency with HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Accubid, and ConEst.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Knowledge of construction codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and EPC estimates.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and drawings to define scope, quantities, and required resources.
• Complete accurate takeoffs using estimating tools such as Excel, Accubid, ConEst, and HeavyBid.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive historical cost database.
• Manage the bid process, including bid packages, pricing, and accurate submissions.
• Negotiate pricing with subcontractors and suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Review and reconcile change orders.
• Partner with project management, engineering, and other departments to develop budgets and timelines.
• Identify value engineering solutions that reduce project costs while supporting project requirements.
• Prepare and present cost analyses and bid proposals to senior management.
• Conduct site visits to assess conditions and gather information; travel up to 25%.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators.
• Review Invitation to Bid folders and documentation and support project selection for bidding.
• Participate in RFQ and RFP responses, including client interviews, presentations, and correspondence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Reading drawings

Cost analysis

Communication skills

Negotiation

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Tools

HeavyBid

Bluebeam

Accubid

ConEst

Job description

ESTIMATOR - ENERGY Renewable Energy Projects

Sargent Electric is a leading specialty contractor focused on electrical, instrumentation, wireless, utility, and low voltage systems. Founded in Pittsburgh in 1907, we operate from 8 locations across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, delivering projects nationwide for our strategic customers.

We support the breadth of client needs — from routine service and emergency restoration to their largest and most complex projects. Our proven safety record, technical depth, and longstanding client relationships have made us a partner of choice for Fortune 500 companies, leading general contractors, and EPC contractors.

We are seeking an experienced EPC Estimator to develop accurate estimates and comprehensive proposals for renewable and energy projects. This role supports project profitability and success through competitive bids, strong construction knowledge, thoughtful collaboration, and sound estimating leadership.

What You'll Do

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and EPC estimates.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and drawings to define scope, quantities, and required resources.
• Complete accurate takeoffs using estimating tools such as Excel, Accubid, ConEst, and HeavyBid.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive historical cost database.
• Manage the bid process, including bid packages, pricing, and accurate submissions.
• Negotiate pricing with subcontractors and suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Review and reconcile change orders.
• Partner with project management, engineering, and other departments to develop budgets and timelines.
• Identify value engineering solutions that reduce project costs while supporting project requirements.
• Prepare and present cost analyses and bid proposals to senior management.
• Conduct site visits to assess conditions and gather information; travel up to 25%.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators.
• Review Invitation to Bid folders and documentation and support project selection for bidding.
• Participate in RFQ and RFP responses, including client interviews, presentations, and correspondence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.

What You Bring:

• At least 5 years of construction estimating or field construction experience.
• Leadership experience, including managing and mentoring team members.
• A strong understanding of construction management principles and practices.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Accubid, and ConEst.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• The ability to read and interpret construction documents.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Knowledge of construction codes and regulations.

Experience That Stands Out

• Experience with electrical and civil construction.
• Experience with EPC renewable construction projects, including battery storage, wind, substations, transmission, and solar.
• Professional credentials such as CCP, CEP, EIT, PE, or PMP.

Why Join Sargent Electric

• Established, growing company with a strong industry reputation
• Collaborative, team-driven environment with strong support across estimating, operations, and project teams
• Opportunity to directly impact project success, profitability, and client relationships
• Work on large-scale, complex mission critical and high-profile construction projects
• Leadership opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of estimating professionals
• Competitive compensation based on experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sargent Electric Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.