Role Snapshot
Lead electrical estimating efforts on large, complex projects for a major construction firm, providing technical direction, mentoring team members, and driving preconstruction strategy and cost leadership across multiple regional offices.
Job Description
The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Electrical Estimator to join the Walbridge team. In this role, you will lead electrical estimating efforts on large, complex projects and play a key role in preconstruction strategy, cost leadership, and client engagement. You will provide technical direction, mentor team members, and ensure the accuracy and competitiveness of estimates that drive successful project outcomes.
Location
You will work from our enterprise headquarters in Detroit, MI, or at one of our regional offices in Kalamazoo, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, Atlanta GA, or Charlotte, NC. Travel may be required based on project pursuits, client meetings, and team collaboration.
Responsibilities
Your Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead electrical subcontractor and electrical estimating strategy for complex projects.
- Partner with senior leadership to develop bid, pursuit, and design-build/CM proposal strategies.
- Provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and support estimating best practices.
- Evaluate design options and apply lean construction principles to improve project outcomes.
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Prepare shadow estimates and oversee electrical subcontractor estimates from concept through GMP and final bid.
- Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define scope, takeoffs, and pricing.
- Develop general conditions estimates, budgets, bulletins, RFIs, and preliminary schedules.
- Maintain estimate backup documentation and identify value engineering opportunities.
Subcontractor & Market Engagement
- Lead subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope validation.
- Build strong relationships with electrical subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors and develop procurement strategies.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, job walks, and client presentations.
Cost Analysis & Risk Management
- Evaluate project risks, market conditions, and cost trends to inform estimates.
- Prepare estimate reviews including overhead, profit, and key commercial assumptions.
- Assess design-build, insurance, bonding, and contract-related risks.
- Support contingency planning, change pricing, and extra work negotiations.
Collaboration & Execution Alignment
- Partner with project management, engineering, VDC, and field teams to align estimate and execution.
- Develop project schedules from bid documents and manage design to budget.
- Support project hand-off and client presentations.
Qualifications
To Qualify for the Role, You Must Have
- Licensed Electrical Journeyperson, or a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- 4-year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or experience.
- 5+ years of estimating and/or engineering experience.
- Electrical design-build experience is preferred but not mandatory.
- Significant experience in electrical estimating within commercial, industrial, or mission-critical construction environments.
- Advanced knowledge of electrical systems, estimating techniques, and cost control, plus the ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems.
- Ability to read specifications, drawings, and electrical one-line diagrams.
- Experience with power distribution, lighting, low-voltage systems, and related electrical infrastructure.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex estimates and coordinate multi-discipline efforts.
- Communication, presentation, and teaching skills, both written and oral.
- Knowledge of the Construction Specifications Institute’s (CSI) divisions and Federal, State, and Local health and safety regulations, and how they affect the cost of a project.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software/tools.
- Effective communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading estimates for large-scale or complex projects (e.g., data centers, manufacturing, automotive).
- Ability to cultivate strong relationships with the local and regional electrical subcontractor market.
- Experience mentoring or managing estimating team members.
- Familiarity with BIM/VDC tools and digital estimating platforms.
Excited to make an impact?
Apply now by clicking the “Apply” button. We can’t wait to hear from you!
EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V
Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, status as an individual with a disability, military, or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment.