Senior Estimator

CoVolt Power; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CoVolt Power is seeking a Senior Estimator for Solar and Battery Storage Projects to lead cost estimation efforts and manage a team of estimators. The role requires utility‑scale project experience and periodic travel for pre‑bid site visits and client page turns.

You will collaborate with pursuit managers, engineers, and subcontractors to develop accurate budgets and competitive proposals. Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years in estimating, a relevant bachelor’s degree, and expertise in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, energy economics, energy systems, data analytics or related areas.
• Experience estimating and cost analysis for large projects (100–1000 MWdc preferred).
• Electrical takeoff knowledge and familiarity with solar/electrical design components.
• Subcontract tendering and bid evaluation experience a plus.
• Self-perform environment estimating experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop competitive and accurate project budgets from design documents and drawings.
• Review RFPs to determine scope, schedule, and design criteria.
• Prepare subcontractor bid packages and solicit pricing.
• Support contract negotiations and project pricing updates post‑award.
• Track budgets, perform cost variance analysis, and hand off estimates to operations.
• Respond to subcontractor RFI responses and manage bid selections.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Detail orientation

Cross-functional coordination

Time management

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Analytics

Problem solving

Excel proficiency

MS Project

SharePoint

Procore experience

Solar/BESS knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management

Energy Economics

Energy Systems

Data Analytics

Related areas

Tools

B2W

Procore

SharePoint

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

We are currently searching for ambitious Senior Estimator for Solar and Battery Storage Projects. We are looking for current and future leaders with a proven track record for high quality people management skills and superior work quality. We need talented individuals who can help us rise to the challenge of building the energy of the future in the competitive and exciting industry of Solar and BESS. This position does not require relocation but will require periodic travel for pre-bid site visits and potentially client page turns. Utility-scale experience is required.

Reports to: Manger of Estimating

Works closely with: Estimators, Pursuit Managers, Business Development, Pre-Construction Project Engineers, Pre-Construction Project Managers, Procurement, Customers, Consulting Engineers, Vendors, Subcontractors

Activities / Responsibilities / Duties

Bid Phase

• Work individually and manage supporting Estimators to win future work by developing competitive and accurate project budgets utilizing self-perform units and subcontract units.
• Review client RFP documents to determine scope, schedule, and design criteria, perform/review detailed material takeoffs from design documents and drawings, and develop proposal documents for submission to Customers
• Develop subcontractor bid packages, strategically solicit pricing and drive competitive and innovative solutions
• Review project historical data for alignment.
• Answer subcontractor RFIs, evaluate and statistically normalize received bids, make tactful selections and cost recommendations

Post-Award Phase

• Support contract negotiations for the Client and Subcontractor scopes and updates to the project pricing or schedule
• Support Procurement to finalize subcontractor scopes, schedules and budgets to align with bid phase commitments - this will require leveraging partnership-driven discussions and negotiation with subcontractors
• Phase code reporting for project controls
• Complete budget tracking and cost variance analysis for all prepared project estimates to yield statistically informed decisions
• Facilitate a complete hand off, estimate review with OPs.

Construction Phase

• Support Projects team with response to subcontractor change orders and other construction related issues
• Support Projects team by providing historical context to design decisions and vendor / subcontractor selections

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Aptitude for leadership and people management
• Innate sensitivity to problems; ability to identify when something is wrong and revise/adapt as necessary
• Self-motivated with an ability to learn quickly and independently while being driven by team success
• Superior attention to and appreciation for detail
• Strong coordination skills to support a cross-functional team as well as time management, active listening, verbal and written communication, critical thinking, analytics and reasoning skills
• Excellent mathematical skills, including application and use in problem solving
• Computer literacy, MS Office proficiency (strong Excel skills a must, MS Project skills is a plus), SharePoint, B2W, and Procore experience a plus
• Driven by natural curiosity and a results-driven problem-solving mentality; asking and getting answers to the right questions

Education / Experience

• 3-5 years of prior Estimating and cost analysis experience
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Energy Economics, Energy Systems, Data Analytics or related areas
• Electrical takeoff knowledge
• Familiarity with solar (strongly preferred), electrical design components, and/or engineering considered a plus
• Estimating in a self-perform environment preferred
• Some experience in Subcontract tendering and response evaluation a plus
• Experience in 100 to 1,000 MWdc projects Preferred.