Lead Estimator

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME); Papillion (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) seeks a Lead Estimator to drive pre-construction cost estimates for electrical projects. You will analyze project documents, develop estimating strategies, and provide leadership to the estimating team while coordinating with project stakeholders.

You will apply advanced estimating methods, manage bid development, and ensure accuracy and integrity in all estimating activities. The role includes leading proposals and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in construction/engineering or related experience.
• Strong experience in construction with electrical estimating responsibilities.
• Field experience preferred and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete quantity take-offs, material pricing, labor costs, equipment estimates and supporting data.
• Review plans, specs, and bid documents to define scope and requirements.
• Perform on-screen and off-screen take-offs; develop bid strategies.
• Coordinate all proposal deliverables and pre-qualification documents.
• Lead complex estimating efforts from development to transition to operations.
• Mentor and guide estimators and support cross-functional teams.

Skills

Accubid Live Count

BlueBeam

CRM

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Construction/Engineering

Associate’s degree in related field

Tools

Accubid Live Count

BlueBeam

CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Us

Intermountain Electric (IME) brings decades of experience as a trusted leader in electrical contracting. Founded in 1946, we began as a small company in Denver, CO, and have since grown to be part of the largest specialty contractor in North America. Today, we work with owners and contractors nationwide, delivering complex construction solutions across various industries, including aviation, mission critical, entertainment, and healthcare. At IME, our people are our most valuable asset. We are committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes safety, quality, and professional growth. Joining IME is more than just finding a job—it's about building a career with opportunities to advance and make an organizational impact. Power your future with IME and be a part of a team that drives success in every project.

About This Role

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) is celebrating 80 years of powering progress across Colorado. Our office teams help deliver safe, smart, and reliable electrical solutions through our people and partnerships, the IME Way. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and technical excellence, and guided by our values of Integrity, Safety, Ingenuity, Relationships, Craftsmanship, and Spark, we empower our professionals to innovate, support our field teams, and strengthen the partnerships that move our work forward. Join a team where your expertise fuels the systems that keep communities running!

Position Summary

The Lead Estimator plays a critical role in the pre-construction process by developing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for electrical projects. This position analyzes project documents, evaluates resource and cost requirements, and develops estimating strategies that support successful project planning and execution. The role also provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to estimators while fostering collaboration across project teams and stakeholders.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Strategy

• Prepare complete quantity take-offs, material pricing, labor cost calculations, equipment estimates, and supporting statistical data for bid development.
• Review, analyze, and interpret project plans, specifications, and bid documents to accurately define project scope and requirements.
• Perform both on-screen and off-screen take-offs.
• Develop and execute estimating approaches and bid strategies using independent judgment and industry expertise.
• Prepare and coordinate all proposal deliverables, including bid forms, labor sheets, and pre-qualification documents.
• Conduct due diligence and evaluate project risks during the estimating process.
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate information, challenges, and recommendations clearly, professionally, and effectively.
• Provide clarification and guidance to support alignment and understanding among project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, project managers, engineers, and other business partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support successful project outcomes.

Process Management & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and current project plans, specifications, correspondence, quantity take-offs, pricing data, and estimating records.
• Manage estimating documentation related to projects, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Maintain CRM opportunities and project status information accurately and consistently.
• Adhere to established policies, procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements.

Project & Organizational Leadership

• Manage proposals from initial development through final submission.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, process discipline, and quality.
• Support organization-wide initiatives and serve as a resource for colleagues across the business.
• Lead complex estimating efforts through final cost development and transition to operations.

Team Leadership & Development

• May oversee and direct the work of other team members.
• Assign work effectively by leveraging team strengths and development opportunities.
• Foster employee engagement through coaching, feedback, training, and career development support.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability while maintaining a high standard of customer service.

Additional duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong due diligence, risk assessment, and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Action-oriented approach with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in deadline-driven environments.
• Advanced proficiency with Accubid Live Count, BlueBeam, CRM, Microsoft Office Suite, and related computer systems.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating methodologies, metrics, systems, and best practices.
• Ability to manage complex estimating projects from inception through transition to operations.
• Working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and codes.

Demonstrated Accomplishments

• Demonstrated expertise in preparing accurate and comprehensive electrical project estimates and cost analyses.
• Advanced proficiency utilizing estimating software and technology platforms, including Accubid Live Count, BlueBeam, CRM, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to develop complex proposals and complete all related bid deliverables with minimal supervision.
• Strong capability in interpreting project requirements, cost data, and estimating systems to support strategic bid decisions.
• Experience successfully leading proposal efforts and coordinating stakeholders throughout the estimating process.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in mentoring team members and contributing to a high-performing estimating function.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Strong experience in the construction industry with electrical estimating responsibilities.
• Field experience preferred.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant education, training, and applied experience will be considered.

What You'll Get

Working Conditions: The majority of the time you will work in a typical office environment. Occasionally, you may travel to a construction job site. When on construction job sites you will encounter typical construction conditions including extreme temperatures, noise, dust, mud debris, welding, leading edge, trenching, and shoring, sometimes in a confined space. You may be required to visit multiple locations during any one day.

Benefits Overview

IME provides an industry-leading comprehensive benefits package. Full-time employees are eligible to choose from a variety of healthcare coverage options, which become effective the first of the month after hire. In addition, employees are offered a substantial amount of PTO and are immediately eligible to make contributions to a generously matched and fully vested 401k.

Salary Range

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.*

Established in 1946, IME is part of Quanta Services, the largest specialty contractor in North America. We base our business model on always doing the right thing and pride ourselves in finding the best processes and practices in everything we do. As an electrical contractor, we install and service the power and lighting to commercial and industrial buildings in the Western US.

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned as required.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and to creating an environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

IME will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who are qualified for a job so that they may perform the essential duties of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.