Senior Estimator - Data Center Building Automation

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 preferred 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, Control Logix; 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, Live Count, Con Est, 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…