Solar Estimator (Junior or Level I)

Owen Thomas Group is seeking a Junior Solar Estimator to join their estimating team, focusing on creating project estimates, budgets, and schedules for solar projects. The role involves collaboration with various departments and requires strong analytical skills. The position supports personal and professional growth within a reputable EPC company that is expanding in renewable energy. This job can be performed remotely or in a hybrid setting.
Solar Estimator (Junior or Level I) | Renewable Energy | , IL | Hybrid or Remote | EPC | Solar, Hospital, Ground Up Projects

Company:

As a highly well-respected EPC with locations across the United States, this organization is continually growing and expanding their reaches into other sectors of renewable energy. Currently they are leading the engineering, procurement and construction of solar projects across the Midwest, South, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. They are supported by a culture of personal and professional growth for all who cross paths with them. This organization also has strong financial backing through their parent company with a diversified portfolio of assets. It’s an exciting time to be a part of their team!

Role Overview:

As a member of the estimating team, the Estimator will report to the Chief Estimator. He or she will create project estimates and pre-construction schedules, budgets, and plans that are accurate and competitive across all markets and geographies where this organization is building projects. The Project Estimator will ensure that the organization’s estimating, bidding, and procurement process takes advantage of the latest and most accurate tools and data resources, a solid network of suppliers and contractors, favorable pricing, as well as the Estimator’s industry-leading judgement and experience. The Project Estimator will assist with project planning and scheduling, assist in creation and maintenance of project budgets, work with engineering and construction functional groups to plan projects for successful execution. The Estimator will be responsible for coordinating Business Development, Project Development, Engineering, and Construction functional groups to ensure seamless transition from the project sales stage to the execution stage. The successful candidate will continually seek to improve processes. The ability to work independently and as a team member are critical, as well as the desire and innovative mind set to operate as an important contributor within a fast-pace and dynamic company environment.

Job Description:
• Creation of or management of all estimates and budgets in support of Operations
• Work closely with Project Management in crafting competitive pricing approaches to new project opportunities
• Update and maintain costs and cost codes for proper cost breakdown
• Develop additional cost templates as this organization’s expands its regional and technical range
• Review all project documents to clearly define project scope. Perform a careful review of preliminary and final scoping documents (engineering, RFP, contract terms and conditions) and contracting apparatus to gain a clear understanding of project risk and responsibilities.
• Research local conditions, area-specific cost, tax liabilities, permitting and interconnection requirements, and labor markets to capture all cost for inclusion in the estimate
• Identify any scope gaps; ensure all cost are covered by either subcontractor pricing or internal estimates
• Responsible for overseeing the procurement and delivery of products and materials to ensure on-time, on budget project results for all projects
• Responsible for ensuring this organization’s software tools are fully functional and best-in-class
• Track estimates through the life of projects, analyzing cost and variables for project controls support and to improve future estimate accuracy
• In collaboration with Project Management, develop cost-loaded schedules and project cash flows
• Responsible for developing and sustaining relationships with diverse suppliers, vendors, and service providers as part of this organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitments.
• Negotiate favorable price and delivery terms. Assist all Operations team members in developing and formally documenting processes in the Operations Manual
• Creating and upkeep of historical data for forward-looking cost analyses
• Identify best practices and opportunities for improvement in all related departments (bidding/estimating, project planning, engineering, project execution, etc.), with an emphasis on simplification

Near Term Goals and Objectives – Measures of Success:
• Quickly come up to speed and deliver on this organization’s value proposition in a deadline driven environment
• Identify and implement key improvements to current estimating tools to win profitable projects
• Develop, improve/build, and maintain critical estimating and procurement tools and databases
• Collaborate with current channel partners and suppliers, as well as introduce new partners, to deliver competitive estimates and set best-in-class sourcing strategies across a national market
• Identify opportunities to contract with qualified diverse suppliers, vendors and service providers
• Identify and apply value-engineering opportunities and cost reductions
• Foster trust and confidence to deliver industry-leading service that furthers this organization’s sales and profitability objectives

Requirements:

Must be passionate about the renewable energy business and thrive in the fast pace, rapidly growing company. In addition, the candidate must possess:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Accounting, Project/Construction Management, or related field
• 1 to 2 years of solid estimating, procurement, and construction planning experience
• Experience with solar energy systems, commercial construction, and electrical contracting required
• Working knowledge of solar-related products and prices, contractors, labor rates for related trades and US regions, and current construction practices
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills; working knowledge of estimating tools and database systems, spreadsheets, and integrated software applications
• Success working across multi-functional areas within an organization

Compensation:
• Salary up to $85,000
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Fully Remote
• Yearly performance bonus
• 401k match (5%)
• Job growth opportunity