Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Coordinator

Surge Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Surge Cabling in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Coordinator to develop accurate proposals for structured cabling, fiber-optic, surveillance, and access-control projects.

You will review blueprints, perform material and labor takeoffs, obtain vendor pricing, and assemble complete bids for management approval, collaborating with customers, vendors, and Surge Cabling leadership to move opportunities into production.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of low-voltage estimating or project coordination experience.
• Knowledge of structured cabling, Cat5e/6/6A, fiber optics, cameras, and access-control.
• Ability to read construction drawings, floor plans, specifications and bid documents.
• Experience with blueprint takeoffs and estimating labor.
• Proficiency with Excel and PDF markup or takeoff software.
• Experience with Bluebeam, STACK, or similar estimating tools preferred.
• Strong math, organizational, and written communication.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review blueprints and bid documents and prepare takeoffs.
• Estimate materials, labor, equipment, and project costs.
• Prepare detailed customer proposals with scopes and pricing.
• Coordinate with customers, vendors, and Surge Cabling leadership.
• Maintain bid records and follow up on outstanding questions.
• Assist with change-orders and project handoffs to operations.
• Improve estimating templates and pricing databases.
• Protect margins while keeping bids competitive.

Skills

Low-voltage estimating

Project coordination

Blueprint reading

Written communication

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam

STACK

PDF markup software

Job description

Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Coordinator

Position Summary

Surge Cabling is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Coordinator. This person will prepare accurate estimates and proposals for structured cabling, fiber-optic, surveillance camera, access-control, and related low-voltage projects.

The estimator will review blueprints, conduct material and labor takeoffs, obtain vendor pricing, identify project requirements, and build complete proposals for management approval. This position will work closely with customers, general contractors, vendors, technicians, and Surge Cabling leadership to move projects smoothly from the bidding stage into production.

Primary Responsibilities

• Review blueprints, bid documents, requests for proposals, and customer scopes of work.
• Prepare detailed material and labor takeoffs.
• Estimate copper cabling, fiber-optic cabling, racks, pathways, cameras, access-control systems, and related equipment.
• Determine labor hours, crew requirements, equipment rentals, travel, permits, and other project costs.
• Conduct or coordinate onsite surveys and document existing site conditions.
• Obtain current material and equipment pricing from vendors.
• Prepare professional customer proposals with clear scopes, assumptions, exclusions, and pricing.
• Complete provider-specific survey forms, bid templates, and compliance documents.
• Identify missing information, project risks, and possible change-order conditions before work begins.
• Maintain bid records, customer information, project notes, and follow-up dates.
• Track pending bids and communicate with customers or providers regarding outstanding questions.
• Assist with change-order estimates and project revisions.
• Prepare a complete project handoff package for the operations team after a job is awarded.
• Work with Surge Cabling leadership for final pricing and proposal approval.
• Help maintain and improve estimating templates, labor standards, material databases, and company pricing.
• Protect company margins while keeping bids competitive and accurate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of low-voltage estimating, project coordination, or field installation experience.
• Knowledge of structured cabling, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, fiber optics, surveillance cameras, and access-control systems.
• Ability to read construction drawings, floor plans, specifications, and bid documents.
• Experience performing blueprint takeoffs and estimating labor requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PDF markup or takeoff software.
• Experience with Bluebeam, STACK, or similar estimating software is preferred.
• Strong mathematical, organizational, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Understanding of prevailing-wage, union, permit, travel, and equipment requirements is helpful.
• BICSI or manufacturer certifications are beneficial but not required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate understands how low-voltage work is actually performed in the field and can convert a project scope into an accurate, profitable estimate. This person is organized, dependable, comfortable asking questions, and willing to verify details instead of making costly assumptions.

The estimator must balance competitiveness with profitability and understand that submitting a low price is not the same as submitting a good bid.

Performance Expectations

Success In This Position Will Be Measured By

• Accuracy and completeness of estimates.
• Gross profit margins on awarded projects.
• Percentage of bids completed on time.
• Bid win rate.
• Accuracy of projected labor and material costs.
• Quality of project handoffs.
• Reduction in missed scope items and preventable change orders.

About Surge Cabling

Surge Cabling provides structured cabling, fiber-optic installation, surveillance, access-control, and low-voltage infrastructure services. We are part of the Surge Solutions family of technology companies and provide customers with a single source for cabling, IT support, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and related technology services.

Full Time
Chicago, Illinois