Low Voltage Estimator

Instrata; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Contributions to innovative projects

Job summary

Instrata is looking for a detail-oriented Low Voltage Estimator in Richmond, Virginia, to produce clear and competitive project estimates across various systems including security and telecommunications. You will review project documentation, build estimations, and coordinate with teams to ensure accurate bids. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in low voltage estimating, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with estimating software. Join us to contribute to complex low voltage and infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in low voltage estimating or related construction environments.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience building takeoffs, estimates, and proposals across low voltage systems.
• Familiarity with subcontractor scope development and vendor coordination.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and RFP documentation to define project scope.
• Execute electronic takeoffs using tools like Bluebeam to quantify materials.
• Build accurate estimates based on defined scopes of work and project conditions.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from suppliers to ensure competitive pricing.
• Identify risks and inconsistencies and address them appropriately.
• Prepare accurate proposals outlining scope, pricing, and assumptions.
• Follow up on active bids to clarify requirements and maintain communication.
• Coordinate with estimating leadership and operations to review bids.
• Participate in post-award kickoff meetings for smooth project execution.
• Track pricing trends and support ongoing improvements to estimating processes.

Job description

About The Role

Do you thrive on turning complex project requirements into clear, accurate, and competitive estimates? We’re looking for a detail-oriented Low Voltage Estimator who can bring structure, precision, and insight to the preconstruction process across security, audiovisual, telecom, and integrated systems projects.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for building high-quality estimates that drive successful project pursuits—partnering with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure every bid is complete, competitive, and aligned with client expectations. From take-offs to final proposals, you’ll play a key role in helping the business win work and set projects up for successful execution.

What You’ll Do – Build Accurate Estimates. Drive Winning Bids.

• Review drawings, specifications, and RFP documentation to develop a full understanding of project scope, client needs, and system requirements.
• Execute electronic takeoffs using tools such as Bluebeam to quantify materials, labor, and equipment across low voltage scopes.
• Build accurate estimates based on defined scopes of work, bills of materials, labor models, and real-world project conditions.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level quotes from suppliers and subcontractors to ensure complete and competitive pricing coverage.
• Identify risks, inconsistencies, and scope gaps early—ensuring they are addressed through assumptions, clarifications, or pricing adjustments.
• Prepare professional, accurate proposals that clearly outline scope, pricing, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Follow up on active bids, clarify requirements, and maintain strong communication with clients, contractors, and partners.
• Coordinate with estimating leadership and operations to review bids, validate pricing strategies, and ensure alignment prior to submission.
• Participate in post-award kickoff meetings to ensure a smooth transition from estimating to project execution.
• Track pricing trends, maintain estimating tools and databases, and support ongoing improvements to estimating processes and workflows.

Systems You’ll Support

• Security Systems: Access control, CCTV, intrusion detection
• Audio Visual: Conference rooms, digital signage, integrated AV systems
• Telecommunications: Structured cabling, fiber optics, network infrastructure
• Specialty Systems: Fire alarm, DAS/BDA, and other low voltage systems
• Exposure to civil, utility, and infrastructure scopes (gas, water, electric, HDD) is a plus

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in low voltage estimating or related construction environments
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Experience building takeoffs, estimates, and proposals across low voltage systems
• Familiarity with subcontractor scope development and vendor coordination
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Excellent organization and attention to detail in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams

Technical Skills Preferred

• Experience with Bluebeam or similar takeoff/estimating software
• Familiarity with estimating platforms and project tools (e.g., Smartsheet or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, MS Project, and Teams
• Exposure to MiField or similar field/estimating platforms is a plus
• Formal estimating software training preferred (or willingness to learn)

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in the low voltage industry
• Experience in project coordination, estimating, or preconstruction roles
• Familiarity with BICSI standards or pursuit of BICSI certifications is a plus

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with standard sitting, standing, and computer use
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
• Some extended hours may be required during bid deadlines

How Success Is Measured

• Accuracy and completeness of estimates and proposals
• On-time delivery of bid submissions
• Effectiveness of vendor and subcontractor coordination
• Ability to identify and mitigate scope gaps and risks
• Contribution to improved win rates and project profitability

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in securing and shaping complex low voltage and infrastructure projects.
• Work closely with operations, leadership, and technical teams to deliver winning outcomes.
• Develop your estimating expertise in a fast-growing, technically driven environment.
• Tackle diverse, complex projects that require both technical and strategic thinking.

Ready to Help Us Win?

If you’re a detail-driven estimator who thrives on building accurate, strategic bids and wants to be part of a team that delivers high-quality infrastructure solutions—we’d love to connect. Apply today and help us build what’s next.