Fire Alarm Estimator

Kids for the Future; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

401(k) plan

PTO & holidays

Training reimbursement

Job summary

APIC Solutions in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Fire Alarm Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive estimates for commercial fire alarm projects across NM/TX/AZ/OK. You will perform quantity takeoffs, analyze specifications, solicit vendor pricing, and develop detailed scopes of work to protect margins.

The role requires collaboration with division managers, project managers, design, and sales to convert opportunities into executable proposals while ensuring code compliance and timely bids.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in fire alarm estimating, design, installation, or project management.
• Experience with Edwards, FireLite, Notifier, Siemens, Simplex, or Gamewell preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete fire alarm estimates for new construction, tenant improvement, retrofit, and service projects with labor, material, subcontractor, and equipment costs.
• Review drawings, specs, addenda, and contract docs to identify full project scope.
• Develop clear proposals including scope, exclusions, assumptions, clarifications, qualifications, and terms.
• Coordinate with trades and bid team on scope and pricing.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks as needed.

Skills

Fire alarm estimates

Reading drawings

Vendor coordination

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

AS/BA preferred in construction or electrical

Tools

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

• Location 7401 Snaproll Street Northeast,Albuquerque, NM, 87109,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Travel 50%
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

Description

Position Summary

The Fire Alarm Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and code-compliant estimates and proposals for commercial fire alarm design-build, installation, retrofit, and service projects. This role performs quantity takeoffs, analyzes project specifications and drawings, solicits vendor and subcontractor pricing, and develops detailed scopes of work that protect APIC Solutions from scope creep while positioning the company to win profitable work. The Estimator works closely with the Fire Alarm Division Manager, Project Managers, Design, and Sales to convert opportunities into well-defined, executable proposals across APIC's New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Oklahoma territories.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare complete fire alarm estimates for new construction, tenant improvement, retrofit, and service-related projects, including labor, material, subcontractor, and equipment costs.
• Review project drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to identify full project scope.
• Develop clear, professional proposals including scope of work, exclusions, assumptions, clarifications, qualifications, and commercial terms.
• Assign responsibility for conduit, power, boxes, patching, painting, access control, and smoke control interfaces appropriately between trades.
• Prepare budgetary pricing letters and conceptual/preliminary estimates for early-stage projects.

Takeoff & Quantification

• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings using Bluebeam or On-Screen Takeoff software.
• Verify device counts, wire types and quantities, panel and power supply requirements, and battery calculations.
• Coordinate with Design to confirm system architecture and equipment selections
• Flag drawing discrepancies, missing information, or code compliance gaps that affect scope or pricing.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Track bid due dates, addenda, and pre-bid RFIs; maintain an organized bid calendar.
• Coordinate with Sales and the Division Manager on bid strategy, markup, and win probability.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks as needed to confirm site conditions and scope.
• Identify missing scope, hidden costs, owner-furnished items, and coordination risks before submission.
• Distinguish code requirements from industry best practices and flag compliance risks to the Division Manager.
• Identify change order opportunities and clearly document scope boundaries to protect company margins.
• Maintain estimating files, backup documentation, and historical pricing data for future reference.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Project Managers to hand off awarded projects with complete scope and budget documentation.
• Support Design and Engineering with constructability input during the estimating phase.
• Communicate professionally with general contractors, electrical contractors, and customers during the bid process.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in fire alarm estimating, design, installation, or project management.
• Experience with systems such as Edwards, FireLite, Notifier, Siemens, Simplex, or Gamewell preferred.

Certifications

• NICET Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems preferred; willingness to pursue NICET certification required.
• OSHA 10/30 certification is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), and applicable building and fire codes.
• Ability to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
• Proficient with Bluebeam or On-Screen Takeoff for quantity takeoffs.
• Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with estimating and CRM software (e.g., HubSpot) a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across design, sales, and project management teams.

Working Conditions

• This position is based out of APIC Solutions' Albuquerque, NM office. Travel is required as needed to support job walks, pre-bid meetings, and project coordination across the territory. Standard office environment with occasional exposure to active construction sites during site visits.
• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and certification reimbursement