Senior Electrical Estimator

Legence; Odenton (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

VarcoMac in Odenton, MD is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Estimator to lead cost estimates for complex commercial electrical construction projects, from bid review through final submission. Projects range from $50K to $100M, including data centers, biopharma, semiconductor and laboratories.

The role blends technical estimating excellence with leadership, risk assessment, and strategic pricing. You will mentor estimators, coordinate with management, vendors, and operations, and ensure

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive electrical construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating projects from $50K to $100M.
• Data center, biopharmaceutical, semiconductor, or laboratory project experience desirable.
• Experience with design-build and plan/spec project delivery.
• Mentoring or leading other estimators is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of detailed electrical estimates from bid review to submission.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, labor calculations, and pricing.
• Coordinate with project management, operations, vendors, and clients.
• Provide strategic estimating recommendations related to pricing and risk.
• Lead or participate in final estimate reviews and presentations.

Skills

Senior estimating

Leadership

ConEst software

Vendor management

Bid strategy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

ConEst experience

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Overview

VarcoMac is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Estimator to play a key role within our preconstruction and estimating team. This position is responsible for leading the development of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for complex commercial electrical construction projects while helping shape overall pursuit and pricing strategy.

The Senior Estimator will independently manage estimates from initial bid review through final submission, including detailed takeoffs, vendor and subcontractor solicitation, scope analysis, risk evaluation, pricing strategy, and final estimate development. This individual will also serve as a senior technical resource to the estimating team, partnering closely with project management, operations, business development, vendors, subcontractors, and company leadership.

Projects include data centers, biopharmaceutical facilities, semiconductor facilities, office buildings, laboratories, and light industrial environments, with project values ranging from $50K to $100M.

This role is ideal for an experienced electrical construction professional who combines strong technical estimating expertise with sound business judgment, leadership capabilities, and the ability to successfully manage complex project pursuits.

Key Responsibilities

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  
  • Serve as a senior estimating resource for complex and high-value project pursuits.
  • Partner with business development, project management, operations, customers, vendors, and subcontractors throughout the estimating and proposal process.
  • Lead scope clarification and bid-related discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide strategic estimating recommendations related to pricing, project risk, constructability, value engineering, and competitive positioning.
  • Participate in estimate reviews, proposal presentations, and turnover meetings with company leadership and project teams.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Estimating & Technical Leadership
  
  • Lead the development of detailed electrical construction estimates for design-build and plan/specification projects.
  • Review and interpret drawings, specifications, addenda, contracts, and other bid documents to develop complete project scopes.
  • Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs, labor calculations, material pricing, equipment costs, and subcontractor scope development.
  • Establish project-specific estimating strategies, assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, allowances, and contingencies.
  • Develop pricing breakouts, alternates, value-engineering options, and other customer-requested pricing scenarios.
  • Identify scope gaps, project risks, constructability concerns, and cost-saving opportunities during the estimating process.
  • Evaluate historical project data, market conditions, vendor pricing, and project requirements to support competitive and financially sound estimates.
  • Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and alignment with project requirements prior to submission.
• Project & Cross-Functional Coordination
  
  • Lead vendor and subcontractor solicitation efforts and evaluate pricing for scope completeness, competitiveness, and potential risk.
  • Coordinate closely with project management and field operations to incorporate constructability, labor strategy, logistics, scheduling, and execution considerations into estimates.
  • Partner with business development and leadership to support pursuit strategy and bid/no-bid discussions.
  • Lead or participate in final estimate reviews and presentations with leadership.
  • Support successful project handoff from estimating to operations by clearly communicating scope, pricing assumptions, risks, opportunities, and contractual requirements.
  • Provide estimating support throughout preconstruction and, when needed, during project execution.
• Team Leadership & Development
  
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor to Estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
  • Review estimating work prepared by less experienced team members and provide guidance to improve accuracy, consistency, and technical knowledge.
  • Share estimating best practices, lessons learned, and market intelligence across the team.
  • Help promote consistent estimating standards, processes, and documentation.
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, historical cost data, and workflows.
  • Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Documentation & Communication
  
  • Maintain comprehensive electronic records of estimates, assumptions, calculations, quotations, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
  • Prepare detailed estimate summaries, executive bid reviews, and customer-facing pricing documentation.
  • Ensure estimating files and bid documentation are organized in accordance with company standards.
  • Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, risks, exclusions, and recommendations to leadership and project stakeholders.
  • Manage multiple concurrent pursuits while ensuring estimates and proposals are accurate and completed within established deadlines.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Education & Credentials
  
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education, electrical construction experience, and estimating experience will be considered.
• Experience
  
  • Minimum 7+ years of progressive electrical construction estimating experience, preferably within commercial or large-scale electrical construction.
  • Demonstrated experience independently leading complex estimates and competitive project pursuits.
  • Experience estimating projects ranging from $50K to $100M.
  • Strong experience with commercial electrical systems and construction methods.
  • Experience with data center, biopharmaceutical, semiconductor, laboratory, mission‑critical, or other technically complex projects is highly desirable.
  • Experience with both design‑build and plan/specification project delivery.
  • Experience collaborating with project management, operations, business development, vendors, subcontractors, and senior leadership.
  • Previous experience mentoring, training, or reviewing the work of other estimators is preferred.
• Technical & Professional Skills
  
  • Advanced knowledge of commercial electrical construction methods, systems, materials, equipment, and labor requirements.
  • Strong understanding of electrical drawings, specifications, contracts, and construction documents.
  • Advanced ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive labor and material estimates.
  • Strong competency with computerized estimating and digital takeoff software; ConEst experience preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
  • Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to evaluate project risk and make sound estimating recommendations.
  • Ability to identify scope gaps, constructability issues, cost‑saving opportunities, and potential project risks.
  • Strong commercial judgment and understanding of how estimating decisions impact overall project performance.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical and financial information to multiple audiences.
  • Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to lead multiple estimates and priorities simultaneously.
  • High attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and support the development of less experienced estimators.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, deadline‑driven environment.

Additional Notes

• This is an onsite position.
• No visa sponsorship is available for this position.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to support project delivery, preconstruction initiatives, and team objectives.
• Salary Range: $130,000 to $170,000

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