Sr. Project Estimator

Distributed Solar Development is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Project Estimator to join our growing renewable energy company. The Estimator is an essential part of both the sales process and the pre-construction process. Responsible for preparing pre-sale proposal pricing and post-sale value-engineered pricing for all commercial solar projects, the Estimator works closely with Origination, Design Engineers, Project Development and Project Management. In addition to accurately costing sales designs, the Estimator provides cost-saving feedback to the design engineers to help improve the efficiency of installation and competitiveness of each proposal. Post-sale, the Estimator is a key participant of value engineering and serves as an essential part of the construction feedback loop - constantly improving Distributed Solar Development's bids by regularly integrating feedback from the Operations Team into future estimates.

Distributed Solar Development, is part of the evolution to cleaner, secure, more customer-focused energy. From analysis, through design and finance, to commercial operation, DSD provides customized turnkey PV energy and energy storage solutions to businesses, enterprises, institutions and municipalities throughout North America. Headquartered in Schenectady, NY with a team spanning across the United States, we leverage our unmatched market expertise to deliver exceptional customer outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities: As a project estimator, you will provide initial estimates on pre-award projects and detailed estimates on post award projects. These responsibilities are encompassed below

Support Distributed Solar Development in the preparation of new bids and proposals for Commercial & Industrial solar projects.

Produce construction budgets based on schematic drawings, site walkthrough or construction documents for construction managers.
Perform take-offs on project drawings to create detailed budget estimates that are founded on currently material and labor costs.
Implement, train personnel and use estimating software to determine project EPC and Development pricing.
Understand development activities and implement development budget for project.
Understanding of Civil construction related to utility scale solar PV – grading, hydrology, trenching, etc.
Engage with the Origination and Design Engineering teams during solution development stage, estimating, bidding and proposal preparation.
Review proposal specifications and engineering drawings to determine the scope of work and required contents of estimate.
Review/comment on sales designs and/or RFP plan sets with technical expertise and confidence.
Provide quantity take-offs for equipment, materials and labor per the drawings and design documents.
Provide cost-saving feedback to design engineers to help the efficiency of installation and competitiveness of each proposal.
Responsible for developing scopes of works with detailed qualifications and cost breakdowns.
Source quotes from subcontractors for specific project estimation requirements.
Understand labor market idiosyncrasies from market to market and their impact on project costs.
Attend site walks to review field conditions to facilitate more precision in project estimates.
Develop and Maintain catalogue costing, estimating tools and contractor databases to build efficiencies for new estimates.
Support benchmarking initiatives to ensure pricing remains competitive in future bids.
Maintain feedback loop process with operations team by serving as essential part of construction feedback process and update pricing to improve organization’s bids.
Produce construction budgets based on schematic drawings, site walkthrough or construction documents for construction managers.
Work with Suppliers in understanding product cost curves to reduce costs.
Build valuable relationships with all internal teams including Origination, Design & Engineering, Project Management and Finance.

Required Qualifications

Experience as Estimator in construction and electrical trades
High technical knowledge and experience in performing budget take offs
Experience using implementing and using estimating software
Experience in preparing construction or engineer related estimates, including detailed material and labor take-off.
General solar experience
Capability to understand ground/roof/carport/landfill solar PV systems, storage, and the Balance of System components that go into them
Construction experience and/or knowledge of industry best practices
Must be MS Office proficient with advanced skills in Excel
Strong organizational and time management skills

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or candidates with significant construction field experience along with estimating experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
Project management or site management experience in commercial and industrial solar.
High level of attention to detail
Ability to manage a multitude of tasks and deadlines and independently prioritize tasks accordingly
Work across multiple functions to seek information in a collaborative and engaging manner
Self-motivated and excited to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment
Proficiency with Salesforce and Procore preferred.

Additional Eligibility Requirement DSD will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening.

Notice to Recruiters & Staffing Agencies Distributed Solar Development has an internal talent acquisition department and designated career site for individuals looking to join our team. Distributed Solar Development will not accept unsolicited resumes from any external recruiters, staffing firms, search agencies or any fee-based referrals. Any unsolicited resumes sent to directly to Distributed Solar Development, in any capacity will be considered property of Distributed Solar Development. This policy is applicable to all Distributed Solar Development locations and will be the responsibility of third parties and vendors to understand this policy. Distributed Solar Development will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

DSD Renewables (DSD) is a renewable energy solutions platform enabling a more sustainable future by deploying and operating renewable energy solutions, making solar, storage, and EV charging infrastructure more accessible to commercial, industrial, and municipal partners. With in-house expertise, a broad scope of capabilities, and the proprietary DSD Connect Platform, our team provides resources to industry partners and customers across the US, accelerating the deployment and scale of renewable energy to meet aggressive sustainability and net-zero goals. To learn more, visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Distributed Solar Development is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.