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Senior Estimator - Data Center Building Automation

Job DescriptionJob Description

Senior Estimator – Data Center Building Automation
This opportunity is with a leading provider of turnkey data center design / build services specializing in mission-critical infrastructure solutions for hyperscale and colocation environments. The firm provides design-build, modernization, and integration services across large-scale programs that power the digital economy / HPC / AI. This career-growth opportunity offers exciting projects with cutting-edge technology and competitive compensation and benefits.

We are seeking a Senior Controls Estimator with deep expertise in building automation, industrial controls, and/or electrical infrastructure for mission-critical environments. The ideal candidate will lead the estimation and proposal lifecycle for high-value automation, SCADA, or power-monitoring scopes and will coordinate closely with engineering, BD, and operations teams. Candidates should have experience estimating for Automation Projects for up to 250MW and for budgets from 50-150MM per project site. Candidates should be detail-oriented, analytical, and comfortable with client-facing responsibilities. This is a strategic role for someone excited to drive estimation excellence and influence multi-million-dollar data center builds.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop accurate and timely construction estimates across electrical, mechanical automation, (DDC, PLC, SCADA, BAS, EPMS, DCIM, etc.)
  • Own the entire estimating lifecycle – from RFP review, scope analysis, cost modeling, to proposal packaging for jobs from 25MM to 150MM
  • Identify and recommend value engineering alternatives and cost-saving measures
  • Collaborate with internal and external teams including engineering, operations, and business development
  • Lead competitive bid efforts and proposal submissions
  • Implement new Bid management tools for qualifying trade partners and for soliciting subcontractor pricing
  • Partner with vendors, partners, and subs to gain pricing
  • Conduct scope reviews, pre-bid meetings, and client interviews
  • Perform budget pricing from schematic drawings and design narratives
  • Develop and maintain estimating tools, templates, and historical data archives in addition to developing Power BI Dashboards for tracking
  • Publish regular KPI reports (bid volume, forecasts vs. actual)
  • Leverage Co-pilot AI workflows / tools to streamline estimating efforts
  • Review and validate estimates from junior estimators or subcontractors
  • Ensure smooth hand-off of estimates to project and field teams, staying on as an advisor when necessary
  • Track and analyze market trends, supplier pricing, and labor rates
  • Mentor junior estimators and support internal process improvements across the department
  • Work with Business Development teams by building relationships with clients, contractors, and Precon teams and converting budgets into executable contracts through budgeting exercises and formal RFP iterations
  • Interface directly with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers as needed
  • Issue RFQs, bids, and negotiate T&Cs for material vendors and subcontractors
  • Evaluate and improve precon processes and tools to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency
  • Maintain OEM and vendor pricing lists and agreements and negotiate pricing

Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience estimating large-scale building automation, industrial controls, or electrical infrastructure projects
  • Strong working knowledge of DDC - Distech, Honeywell; PLC - Rockwell, Schneider, ControlLogix; SCADA - Tridium, Niagara, Ignition, etc. BAS, or Critical Power and HVAC Systems
  • Demonstrated experience estimating large complex projects ($10–$150MM), particularly in mission-critical environments
  • Deep cost knowledge of labor, materials
  • Analyze market trends and apply cost data effectively, subs, and major automation platforms
  • Proven background with competitive bid execution and proposal development
  • Experience with estimating software – Accubid Anywhere, LiveCount, ConEst, McCormick, Bluebeam, Procore, Power BI, Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas), and related tools
  • Familiarity with code requirements and electrical engineering fundamentals (e.g., voltage drop, conduit fill, derating, etc.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to clients and simplify complex technical content
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, partners, and internal teams
  • Strong negotiation skills, particularly in dealing with vendors and subcontractors
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fully remote environment
  • Skilled at using MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Sharepoint), along with organizational skills and file management exp
  • Leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
  • Ability to travel up to 20-50% for site visits, walkthroughs, or client meetings (typically planned)
  • Previous experience in the Data Center / Mission Critical industry is a must
  • Previous experience in the Military / Military veterans in all branches that have experience with Electrical / Mechanical is a huge plus (Navy Nukes – EMN, ETN, MMNs, Seabees; Army – Power ; Air Force – Power Production; Generator Techs; Maritime, Coast Guard, Army Guard, etc.)

Submittal Instructions:
Please apply directly by clicking the link below, alternatively you can forward your resume directly to: yncc8sue6w88zkcew9rq4nxwne@crelate.net

After applying, if you have further questions, you may call 973-895-5200 and ask for Iggy. You can also submit via our career portal and take a look at other Critical Facility openings we are working on at, https://www.pkaza.com/jobs/

If this job is not for you, feel free to forward this along. WE PAY FOR REFERRALS!!

Company offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance, a 401(k) plan
EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V
Pkaza LLC is a third-party employment firm. All fees assessed by Pkaza LLC will be paid by our employer that we represent and not by the candidate