Senior Electrical Estimator - Renewable Energy

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is seeking a Senior Electrical Estimator in Houston, Texas. The role involves leading the pricing and development of electrical scopes for commercial and renewable energy projects. Responsibilities include quantity take-offs, design reviews, and collaboration with engineers and subcontractors. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree, along with 2–5 years of relevant experience, and familiarity with estimating tools like OST and Accubid. McCarthy values strong communication, analytical, and mathematical skills among its employees.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and math skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and pricing of electrical scopes.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs.
• Conduct design reviews of electrical drawings.

Skills

Electrical principles and processes

Estimating technology and tools

Analytical skills

Computer skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

OST

Accubid

BIM-related software

Job description

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is America's premier commercial construction company.

Position Summary

The Senior Electrical Estimator is responsible for leading the detailed development and pricing of electrical scopes for commercial, renewable energy, substation, and battery storage projects. This role performs comprehensive quantity take-offs; reviews electrical drawings, specifications, and studies; and supports overall electrical system design analysis to ensure accurate, competitive, and value-driven estimates. The Senior Electrical Estimator collaborates closely with engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to clarify scope, schedule, and material requirements, identify and price value alternatives, and support hard bid, negotiated, and GMP budgeting efforts. They contribute to estimate reviews, prepare contractual scope exhibits, support field operations with change‐order pricing, and continuously enhance McCarthy’s competitive position by building strong relationships with trade partners and staying current on industry best practices, estimating tools, and technology.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantity take-offs.
• Assist in the pricing and bidding of commercial, renewable, substation, and battery storage projects.
• Support the team with overall electrical system design analysis.
• Communicate with engineers and consultants to clarify scope of work, materials, and schedule requirements, and document these clarifications.
• Conduct design review of electrical drawings, specifications, calculations, and studies.
• Review electrical studies including load flow, reactive power capability, short circuit, relay coordination, and arc flash.
• Conduct site visits and inspections as necessary.
• Review milestone design documents to identify, develop, and price value‑alternative opportunities to provide enhanced value to clients.
• Actively participate in the internal estimate review process.
• Assist with final assembly of estimates for presentation to owners.
• Collect and organize all bid information for future reference.
• Aid field operations with change‑order pricing if needed.
• Direct, coordinate, and provide information and documents to subcontractors.
• Prepare contractual exhibits for scope of work for subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Participate in hard bid/estimating and GMP budgeting activities by soliciting subcontractor support and evaluating bids.
• Build relationships with subcontractors and vendors to obtain a competitive advantage for McCarthy.
• Attend industry events and represent McCarthy in a professional capacity.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal McCarthy clients.
• Keep current with the latest estimating technology and techniques.
• Implement all applicable Safety Programs and EEO/Affirmative Action Programs.
• Develop and input material data and assemblies into estimating software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering and 2–5 years of equivalent experience required.
• General knowledge of electrical principles and processes.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• General knowledge of negotiated bids, hard bids, and GMP processes.
• Working knowledge of estimating technology and tools such as OST, Accubid, Traser, and BIM‐related software.
• Excellent computer skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail at a high level.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values.
• Maintains a “value‑added” approach to estimating.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.