Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Coordinator

Surgesolutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Surge Cabling is seeking an experienced Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Coordinator to prepare accurate estimates and proposals for structured cabling, fiber, cameras, and access-control projects. The role involves reviewing blueprints, performing material and labor takeoffs, obtaining vendor pricing, and building complete proposals for management approval.

You will collaborate with customers, general contractors, vendors, technicians, and Surge Cabling leadership to move bids from the bidding

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, specs, 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.

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.

Skills

Low-voltage estimating

Project coordination

Blueprint reading

Excel

Takeoff software

Bluebeam

STACK

Tools

Bluebeam

STACK

PDF markup software

Estimating software

Job description

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.

We guarantee a 3 minute response time, tailored solutions and a team of 3 highly qualified engineers who truly know your business, inside and out.