Low-Voltage Estimator & Project Lead

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

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