Solar Construction Estimator (Hybrid)

93Energy; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

PTO accrual

Job summary

93Energy in Evanston, IL is seeking a Solar Construction Estimator to join the pre-construction team. You will produce detailed cost estimates for utility-scale and C&I solar projects, bridging design and construction with a focus on accuracy and risk management.

The role requires 3–5 years of estimating experience, familiarity with EnergyToolbase and design software, and a hybrid work model. Local commuting is required; relocation is not provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil/Electrical Engineering, Sustainability, or related field.
• 3–5 years of estimating experience in utility-scale or C&I solar construction.
• Strong proficiency with Excel or Google Sheets and energy design/proposal software.
• Deep understanding of solar PV technology, racking, inverters, and BESS components.
• Analytical mindset with meticulous attention to discrepancies in plans and scopes.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills for vendor relations.

Responsibilities

• Takeoffs: detailed material, labor, and equipment estimates from drawings and diagrams.
• Proposal development: prepare detailed cost estimates and bid packages.
• Vendor/subcontractor management: solicit and review quotes from manufacturers and contractors.
• Site assessments: evaluate conditions and interconnection requirements to anticipate costs.
• Risk analysis: identify financial and operational risks and mitigation options.
• Cross-functional collaboration: work with PMs, engineers and BD to refine scopes.
• Database maintenance: keep historical cost data up-to-date for accuracy.

Skills

Estimating

Excel/Sheets

Analytical thinking

Vendor negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Civil or Electrical Engineering / Sustainability

Tools

EnergyToolbase

Helioscope

PVsyst

Solesca

Aurora

Job description

Located in Evanston, Illinois, 93Energy started operations in 2018. 93Energy is Chicagoland's premier provider for solar power systems and is 5-STAR Rated on Google Business. 93Energy is proud to offer businesses in Illinois and around the country, the freedom and flexibility to choose how they buy power, while also saving money on their electricity bills and promoting a more sustainable, clean environment!

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Solar Construction Estimator to join our growing pre-construction team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing accurate, comprehensive, and competitive cost estimates for utility-scale, commercial, and industrial (C&I) solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects. You will bridge the gap between engineering design and project execution, ensuring our bids are financially sound, risk-mitigated, and aligned with market conditions. This is a hybrid position. Candidate MUST LIVE WITHIN COMMUTING DISTANCE. No Relocation Assistance provided if out of state.

Learn more about 93Energy online at https://93energy.com/

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Estimator

• Takeoffs & Estimating: Perform detailed material, labor, and equipment takeoffs from preliminary design drawings, structural plans, and electrical single-line diagrams.
• Proposal Development: Prepare detailed line-item cost estimates, budget proposals, and final bid packages for RFPs (Requests for Proposals).
• Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Solicit, review, and negotiate quotes from equipment manufacturers (modules, inverters, racking) and subcontractors (civil, electrical, mechanical).
• Site Assessments: Evaluate site conditions, geographic challenges, and utility interconnection requirements to anticipate potential cost impacts.
• Risk Analysis: Identify financial and operational risks within project scopes and develop mitigation strategies or contingency buffers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Business Development teams to refine project scopes and ensure smooth handoffs to the construction team.
• Database Maintenance: Maintain and update a historical cost database to improve the speed and accuracy of future estimates.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil/Electrical Engineering, Sustainability, or a related field (equivalent field experience will be considered).
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of estimating experience in utility-scale or C&I solar construction.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and energy design & proposal software (EnergyToolbase, Helioscope, PVsyst, Solesca, Aurora, etc.).
• Solar Expertise: Deep understanding of solar PV technology, racking systems (rooftop, ground mount, carport), inverters, and battery storage (BESS) components.
• Analytical Mindset: Exceptional mathematical skills and a sharp eye for identifying discrepancies in blueprints or scope documents.
• Communication: Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to build relationships with vendors and present bids to executives or clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification.
• Experience with medium or high-voltage substation or utility interconnection estimating.
• Knowledge of local labor markets, prevailing wage laws, and union requirements.
• High level of comfort and experience using Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, etc.).
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Job Type: Full Time - eligible for major health benefits, 7 paid holidays and accrued PTO
• Pay Range: $80,000 - $140,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Location: 1326 Greenleaf Ave, Evanston, IL 60202

93Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer AI may have been used during the recruiting process. See (link) to learn how.