Utility Scale Solar Estimator

Sun Energy Solar LLC; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

Flex Time

Remote Working

Job summary

Sun Energy Solar LLC in Wisconsin is seeking a Senior Utility-Scale Solar Estimator to join our team. This remote role focuses on developing accurate cost estimates for utility-scale solar projects and coordinating with design, procurement, and operations to deliver competitive bids.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of solar estimation experience, NABCEP certification or ability to obtain within 12 months, and a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical balance-of-system components.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of proven experience in commercial solar estimation, construction estimation, and/or design.
• Experience estimating Utility Scale Solar projects (electrical and mechanical).
• NABCEP PV Design Certification or related, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Strong understanding of construction means, electrical systems, and solar BOP components.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary project scopes and conceptual designs aligned with objectives.
• Perform takeoffs and develop pricing estimates for equipment, labor, materials and subcontractors.
• Coordinate with design and operations to analyze risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare solicitation packages and evaluate subcontractor proposals with matrices.
• Support proposal development with pricing narratives and change orders.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks to validate assumptions.

Skills

Solar Estimation

Construction Estimation

NABCEP Certification

Electrical Systems

Tools

ACCUBID

MS Office

Job description

Sun Energy Solar LLC is a Utility Scale Solar Contractor specializing in Electrical and Mechanical Solar Installation based in Wisconsin. With a core value of cooperation and partnership, Sun Energy Solar focuses on promptness, delivering value and exceeding our customers’ expectations.

Sun Energy Solar is a rapidly growing electrical and mechanical contractor with opportunities for internal growth and advancement. Sun Energy Solar supports professional development and continuing education in a fast paced but fun and flexible work environment with competitive pay and benefits.

Sun Energy Solar LLC is seeking a motivated Senior Utility-Scale Solar Estimator to join our team.

Job Type:

Full-time

Base Compensation:

$100,000-$125,000

(Actual compensation may be affected by factors such as education, experience, skillset and/or location)

Expected hours:

40 per week

Benefits Include

• 401(k) with company match, 100% vested upon contribution
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Competitive PTO, Flex Time, Remote Working

Work Location:

Remote (In person training may be required occasionally)

This job description focuses on the essential duties of the position and excludes marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of primary responsibilities. All duties and requirements outlined are considered essential job functions. This description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this role. Employees may be required to perform any additional job-related tasks as assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and the employment relationship is “at will.”

The Senior Solar Estimator will lead various estimates for projects in the Renewable Energy Market Utility Scale Solar. Duties will include, but are not limited to reading and interpreting documents, subcontractor solicitation, analyzing drawing and specifications, reviewing, and assisting with proposals and other documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates for various projects.

The Senior Solar Estimator plays a key role in the pre-construction process by developing accurate and competitive cost estimates that support project feasibility and successful execution for our prospective commercial customers of all sizes. This position collaborates closely with design, engineering, project management, procurement, operations, and external partners to ensure estimates reflect constructability, market conditions, and project risk to deliver the most efficient end-product to our clientele.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Project Scoping & Preliminary Analysis

• Develop preliminary project scopes and conceptual designs that align with customer and company objectives.
• Complete pre-construction surveys, feasibility reviews, and other preliminary estimating research and documentation.
• Conduct thorough reviews of plans and specifications to ensure complete scope coverage and accurate takeoffs.
• Review and interpret contract specifications, drawings, and project documents to ensure estimates align with project requirements.

Estimating, Takeoffs, & Cost Development

• Perform accurate takeoffs and develop comprehensive pricing estimates for equipment, labor, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Develop general conditions, allowances, exclusions, and contingencies as part of project estimates.
• Obtain and apply applicable wage rates, including prevailing wage requirements and labor classifications, based on jurisdiction or contract requirements.
• Assist in developing preliminary construction duration's and schedule templates to support pricing and proposal development.

Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

• Prepare solicitation packages for vendors and subcontractors.
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals and develop comparison matrices and estimate summary sheets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Risk Evaluation

• Partner with Design and Operations teams to analyze estimates, identify risks, assess constructability, and pursue value engineering and cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering consultants, designers, and internal stakeholders to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and gather required estimating inputs.

Proposal & Pre-Construction Support

• Support proposal development by coordinating inputs, preparing pricing narratives, assisting with change orders, and helping assemble final proposals.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and occasional customer-facing site visits or presentations to validate assumptions and review proposed solutions.

Industry Knowledge & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain an understanding of renewable energy policies and incentives and their impact on equipment selection and estimating strategies.
• Stay current on industry-standard estimating software, tools, and emerging technologies, and evaluate new solutions to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain organized estimating files, assumption logs, and historical cost data to support future bids and continuous improvement.

Other Duties

• Other duties and tasks assigned by management.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Exemplify All Energy Solar core values (Safety First, Dependability, Do the Right Thing, and Want to Win).

Skills/Qualifications

Experience

• 3-5 years of proven experience in commercial solar estimation, construction estimation, and/or design, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience considered.
• Experience estimating Utility Scale Solar projects (electrical and mechanical).
• NABCEP PV Design Certification, NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certification or NABCEP PV System Inspector Certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, electrical systems, and solar balance-of-system components (required).

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency in Microsoft (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) software.
• Proficiency with ACCUBID estimating software, spreadsheets, and document management tools.

Core Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, including plans, specifications, proposals, quotes, and qualifications.
• Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to interpret technical documents, including design plans and specifications, and prepare proposals and detailed estimates.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively with leaders across departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with