Estimator, SDI Services

solvenergy; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SOLV Energy, through its SDI Services affiliate, seeks an Engineer/Estimator to develop preliminary designs for deep foundation systems and shoring, and to translate designs into accurate cost estimates for design-build projects.

You will review geotechnical data, size foundation elements, prepare takeoffs, and assemble bid packages while coordinating with Operations and field leadership to ensure constructible, cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with preliminary structural/geotechnical design for design-build projects.
• Ability to translate designs into detailed cost estimates and bid packages.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary structural and geotechnical designs for design-build deep foundations.
• Size foundation elements and shoring systems per project criteria.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, pricing, and proposals for bids.
• Coordinate with operations, project management and field leaders.
• Identify risks and contingencies in estimates and enhance proposal competitiveness.

Skills

Civil engineering

Estimating

Geotechnical design

Project coordination

Cost controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Excel

AutoCAD

Geotechnical software

Job description

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

As a recognized leader in solar predrill and pile foundation installation for more than 25 years, SDI Services is now part of SOLV Energy - expanding our collective capability to deliver high-quality infrastructure services to the power industry. By joining SOLV Energy's comprehensive capabilities, SDI adds specialized expertise, expanded field capacity, and a robust fleet of drilling equipment to support exceptional project execution. Together, we're improving performance across the full lifecycle through integrated solutions, reliable delivery, and proven experience serving utility-scale solar projects.

This position sits within SDI Services, a SOLV Energy affiliate company, and is posted on SOLV Energy's careers site to connect great talent with meaningful opportunities. While you will apply through SOLV Energy, all day-to-day work, responsibilities, and decision-making for this role will reside within SDI.

The Estimator is responsible for developing preliminary structural and geotechnical designs for design-build deep foundation and shoring systems, then translating those designs into accurate, competitive construction cost estimates. The Engineer/Estimator evaluates project conditions and geotechnical data to select and size appropriate foundation and earth-retention systems, then builds the quantity takeoffs, pricing, and proposals used to win and execute the work.

The Engineer/Estimator works closely with Operations, Project Management, and field leadership to ensure that preliminary designs are both technically sound and constructible, and that resulting estimates reflect real-world field production and cost.

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Position Responsibilities And Duties:

Preliminary Design & Engineering

• Develop preliminary structural and geotechnical designs for design-build deep foundation systems, including CIDH piles, auger cast piles, displacement piles, ground improvement, micropiles, and helical piles.
• Develop preliminary designs for shoring and earth-retention systems, including soldier pile and lagging, sheet piles and tieback anchors.
• Review geotechnical reports, boring logs, and site data to determine soil conditions, design parameters, and constraints affecting system selection.
• Perform structural and geotechnical calculations to size foundation elements, shoring systems, and associated components, in accordance with applicable codes and project criteria.
• Prepare preliminary design sketches, and calculation packages sufficient to support pricing and client review.
• Evaluate alternative foundation and shoring design approaches to identify the most cost-effective, constructible solution for each project.
• Coordinate with outside design engineers, geotechnical engineers, and structural engineers of record as needed on design-build pursuits.

Estimating & Cost Proposals

• Prepare detailed construction estimates based on preliminary designs, including quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Develop unit pricing and production rates for foundation drilling and shoring operations based on historical field data and engineering judgment.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment vendors to support cost proposals.
• Assemble complete bid packages and proposals, including scope narratives, pricing summaries, schedules, and clarifications/exclusions.
• Identify and quantify project risks and contingencies within estimates, including geotechnical, schedule, and site-access risks.

Bid Support & Business Development

• Participate in bid strategy meetings with the VP of Project Development and Operations leadership.
• Support proposal development for design-build and design-assist pursuits, presenting preliminary designs and pricing to clients, general contractors, and owners as needed.
• Track and incorporate addenda, RFIs, and design revisions into estimates throughout the bid process.
• Assist in preparing value-engineering alternatives to strengthen the competitiveness of proposals.

Technical Coordination & Field Support

• Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, and General Superintendent to confirm constructability of preliminary designs before finalizing estimates.
• Provide technical support to field and project management teams during design finalization and early project execution, including design clarifications.
• Conduct site visits as needed to verify field conditions, access constraints, and existing site features relevant to design and pricing.
• Support post-bid design refinement in coordination with the engineer of record and project team.