Solutions Estimator 1 - Fire Alarm & Security

Convergint; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Plan

401K Matching Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Convergint is seeking a full-time Solutions Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for medium to large-scale RFPs across fire alarm, life safety, and electronic security projects. You will bridge entry-level and senior estimators, owning medium-to-large opportunities with programmatic customers.

You will collaborate with sales, engineering, procurement, and project teams, review drawings and codes, and source pricing to ensure competitive proposals and profitable outcomes.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of estimating, project management, or system design experience in electronic physical security.
• Experience with large-scale RFPs, greenfield opportunities, and programmatic projects.
• Familiarity with fire alarm and life safety system design, codes, and standards.
• Ability to read and analyze construction documents, drawings, specs, and scopes.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam Revu and takeoff/markup software for quantity takeoffs.
• Knowledge of materials, labor costs, and subcontractor coordination for security systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Proactive mindset with commitment to profitability and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for medium to large-scale RFPs and complex scopes.
• Bridge the gap between entry-level estimators and senior design professionals.
• Analyze project requirements, specifications and codes to assess scope and risks.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, procurement, and project management teams.
• Source pricing from vendors and subcontractors to meet project specs.
• Identify scope gaps and value engineering opportunities to improve pricing.
• Prepare professional proposals with technical details and pricing justification.
• Assist in managing the estimating process for programmatic and recurring customers.

Skills

Estimating experience

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

College degree or higher

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Excel

Estimating software

Project collaboration tools

Job description

Convergint is looking for a full-time, enthusiastic, results-driven, and forward-thinking Solutions Estimator to join our amazing culture. In this role, you will bridge the gap between entry-level estimators and more senior design and estimating professionals by preparing accurate cost estimates for large-scale RFPs, greenfield projects, and complex scopes. This is a dual-purpose estimating role, covering both fire alarm/life safety and electronic security projects. This role focuses on programmatic customers, requiring technical expertise, project ownership, and a collaborative approach. As a Solutions Estimator, you are a part of a dynamic team that allows you to grow as Convergint grows.

For information about how we use your personal information, please see our Colleague & Applicant Privacy Notice, available on convergint.com/careers.

Who You Are

You have a passion for providing world-class service to customers, colleagues, and communities. You are a person of integrity with a commitment to growth, accountability and delivering results. You want to join an organization with a positive culture that embraces equal opportunity and allows everyone to be the best version of themselves at work and home. You want to grow with us and deliver results as an exceptional Solutions Estimator.

Who We Are

With 20 years of proven growth and exceptional performance, our mission is to be our customer’s best service provider. We realize the importance of diversity in achieving that goal. Our company was built upon a solid foundation of 10 Values and Beliefs which drive our unmatched culture, making us the #1 global, serviced-based systems integrator in the industry. We take great pride in protecting the lives and assets of our customers and their communities with the solutions we provide.

What you’ll do with “Our Training and Your Experience”

• Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for medium to large-scale RFPs, greenfield projects, and complex scopes including global accounts and vertical markets such as data centers, healthcare, financial institutions, utilities, and education.
• Bridge the gap between entry-level estimating and senior design and estimating professionals, taking ownership of medium-to-large opportunities with programmatic customers.
• Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for fire alarm and life safety systems (detection, notification, and suppression) in addition to electronic security systems, supporting Convergint's dual fire and security estimating scope.
• Analyze project requirements, specifications, and technical documents to understand scope, risks, and deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with sales, engineering, procurement, and project management teams to ensure estimates reflect accurate costs, resources, and timelines.
• Evaluate project scopes, interpret construction blueprints and applicable building codes using Bluebeam and other takeoff/markup software, analyze costs, and make decisions that significantly impact pricing and project feasibility.
• Participate in site walks, pre-bid meetings, and technical discussions to fully assess project needs and unique requirements.
• Source pricing from vendors, subcontractors, and partners for materials, labor, and services to meet project specifications.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, and value engineering opportunities to provide innovative solutions.
• Prepare professional and competitive proposals that include technical details, pricing, and justification for Convergint’s value proposition.
• Work with installation teams to ensure feasibility and accuracy of estimates.
• Apply industry knowledge of applicable building codes, regulations, and fire alarm/life safety compliance requirements (e.g., NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and local AHJ requirements).
• Track project costs, potential risks, and margins to optimize pricing strategies.
• Stay updated on security technology, industry standards, and product pricing.
• Ensure estimates align with company pricing strategies and market competitiveness.
• Prepare and present accurate proposals to internal and external customers.
• Assist in managing the estimating process for programmatic and recurring customers to ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment with program objectives.
• Support Solutions Architects and other senior leaders on large, strategic, or specialized projects.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested or required.

What You’ll Need

• 2-3 years of experience in estimating, project management, or system design, within electronic physical security (access control, CCTV, intrusion and/or fire alarm/life safety systems).
• Experience with large-scale RFPs, greenfield opportunities, and programmatic customer projects.
• Familiarity with fire alarm and life safety system design, codes, and standards.
• Strong understanding of vertical market requirements, such as healthcare, data centers, government, education, and financial/banking institutions.
• Ability to read and analyze construction documents, drawings, specifications, and technical scopes, including fire alarm riser diagrams, life safety plans, and building code requirements.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Excel, and project collaboration tools.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam Revu (or similar takeoff/markup software) for reviewing construction blueprints and performing quantity takeoffs.
• Knowledge of materials, labor costs, and subcontractor coordination for physical security and fire alarm/life safety systems.
• Ability to identify risks, recommend value engineering solutions, and ensure profitability goals are met.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with internal teams, customers, and vendors.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering results.

Company Benefits

Convergint fosters a supportive, accessible, and inclusive environment in which all individuals are able to realize their maximum potential within the company. We offer a variety of programs and exceptional benefits:

• 10 Company Holidays and Paid Time Off starting at 13 days annually
• Fun & Laughter Day Off
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plan
• Life insurance & Disability Plan
• Wellness Program
• 401K Matching Plan
• Colleague Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive salary and compensation plan
• Vehicle reimbursement plan or company vehicle
• Corporate Social Responsibility Day
• Cell phone reimbursement (if applicable)
• Paid parental leave

Requirements

Education: College degree, trade school, or equivalent construction industry estimating experience.

Minimum Experience: 2-3 years in estimating, project management, or system design for physical security and/or fire alarm/life safety projects.

Anticipated compensation for this position is $69,000 to $83,000 annually.

Convergint is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Visit our Convergint careers site to learn more about the company and the exciting opportunities available.

Please note that this job posting includes salary information for the assigned target market range within the primary geographic region the requisition is posted. If the position is posted in multiple locations or is a remote position, the salary range may vary. Individual pay rates will, of course, vary depending on the job, department, and location, as well as the individual skills, experience, certifications, specific licenses, and education of the applicant.