Estimating Manager - Solar Construction

The Clary Group is hiring an Estimating Manager for Solar Construction in Jackson, MS. This full-time role involves leading the development of accurate estimates for utility-scale solar projects, requiring expertise in mechanical and electrical construction. Responsibilities include reviewing project documents, developing quantity takeoffs, soliciting vendor pricing, and identifying project risks. The ideal candidate should understand field construction and translate project specifications into realistic costs.
Estimating Manager – Solar Construction

Company: The Clary Group

Position: Estimating Manager

Industry: Utility-Scale Solar Construction

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Clary Group is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the development of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates for utility-scale solar construction projects. This position requires strong knowledge of both mechanical and electrical solar construction, with the ability to evaluate complete project scopes from initial bid documents through final proposal.

The Estimating Manager will be responsible for reviewing project documents, developing quantity takeoffs, establishing labor and equipment requirements, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor and vendor pricing, identifying project risks, and preparing detailed estimates and proposals.

The ideal candidate understands how projects are actually built in the field and can translate drawings, specifications, schedules, and site conditions into realistic construction costs and production assumptions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead estimating efforts for utility-scale solar projects from initial opportunity through final proposal.Review IFC, bid, and conceptual drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, schedules, BOQs, and other project documents.Develop detailed mechanical and electrical quantity takeoffs.Build labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing for complete project scopes.Establish realistic crew compositions, production rates, durations, and construction sequencing.Develop project-specific labor and equipment cost models based on site conditions and schedule requirements.Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, exclusions, clarifications, and potential project risks.Prepare and maintain detailed BOQs and estimate workbooks.Solicit pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.Perform subcontractor bid leveling and scope comparisons.Coordinate with operations, project management, engineering, procurement, and field leadership during estimate development.Participate in bid reviews, scope reviews, and project handoff meetings.Assist with value engineering and alternative construction methods to improve project cost and schedule.Maintain historical pricing, production rates, and cost data from completed and active projects.Support change order pricing and project cost analysis when required.Ensure estimates accurately reflect contractual requirements, schedule constraints, site logistics, and project-specific risks.Mechanical Estimating Knowledge

The Lead Estimator should have experience estimating mechanical solar scopes including:

Survey and layoutPile predrilling and installationDriven and drilled pile applicationsTracker and fixed-tilt racking systemsTorque tubes, bearings, dampers, motors, and tracker componentsModule installationMechanical assemblyMaterial receiving and distributionMaterial handling and double handlingFencing and gatesEquipment and crane requirementsSite logisticsMechanical testing and commissioning supportPunch list and project closeout activitiesExperience with major tracker systems such as Nextracker, GameChange, Array Technologies, and similar systems is preferred.

Electrical Estimating Knowledge

The Lead Estimator should have experience estimating electrical solar scopes including:

DC wire installationDC homerunsWire managementGrounding and bondingEquipment groundingTrenching and excavationConduit installationUnderground electrical systemsCombiner boxes and related equipmentInverters and power conversion systemsAC collection systemsCable installation and pullingCable terminationsEquipment settingElectrical testingCommissioning supportMedium-voltage scope coordinationSubstation and high-voltage subcontractor scope coordinationThe candidate should understand the relationship between mechanical installation, electrical installation, civil activities, and project sequencing when developing estimates.

Qualifications

5+ years of estimating or construction experience, preferably within utility-scale solar or renewable energy construction.Strong working knowledge of both mechanical and electrical solar construction.Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.Strong understanding of construction production rates, crew compositions, equipment requirements, and sequencing.Experience developing detailed labor and equipment estimates.Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor proposals.Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with estimating software and BOQs.Ability to manage multiple estimates and bid deadlines simultaneously.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work closely with estimating, operations, project management, and executive leadership.Preferred Experience

Utility-scale solar projects of 20 MW and larger.Self-perform mechanical and electrical construction.EPC, EPC Lite, and Balance of System (BOS) contracting models.Civil and high-voltage subcontractor procurement and bid leveling.Tracker installation and pile foundation estimating.DC and AC electrical installation estimating.Project scheduling and construction sequencing.Historical cost and productivity analysis.Proposal development and client scope negotiations.Key Competencies

The successful candidate should be highly detail-oriented while maintaining an understanding of the overall construction strategy. The Lead Estimator must be capable of identifying where an estimate carries risk, challenging unrealistic production assumptions, recognizing missing scope, and developing pricing that is both competitive and executable.

This position requires someone who understands that a successful estimate is not simply a quantity takeoff—it must accurately represent how the project will be staffed, equipped, sequenced, and constructed in the field.