Estimator
Data Center Construction / Transmission & Substation
Houston, TX | Onsite | Up to 25% Travel
About the Role
A growing organization in the data center and mission critical construction space is seeking an Estimator to join its preconstruction team in Houston.
This position will support the development of comprehensive project estimates for large-scale data center construction projects, with a primary focus on electrical estimating. Working alongside senior estimating and preconstruction professionals, this individual will perform quantity takeoffs, research labor productivity, analyze historical project costs, and contribute to the development of estimating tools and processes.
The ideal candidate has experience with large-scale electrical or mission critical construction and wants to continue developing their expertise within the rapidly growing data center market. This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator who is analytical, detail-oriented, and interested in progressing toward an independent senior estimating role.
What You'll Do
- Perform electrical quantity takeoffs from construction drawings, single-line diagrams, and specifications for complex data center projects.
- Develop takeoffs across electrical systems including medium- and low-voltage distribution, switchgear, UPS systems, generators, PDUs, cable tray, conduit, and related equipment.
- Research and apply established labor productivity standards to develop accurate electrical installation labor estimates.
- Analyze project-specific conditions and develop sound judgment around labor productivity and installation requirements.
- Assist senior estimating and preconstruction professionals with developing and maintaining standardized estimating templates and tools.
- Research, organize, and analyze historical project cost data to support future estimates and benchmarking.
- Assist with complete project estimates covering materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
- Review RFP packages, drawings, specifications, and other bid documents to identify scope, exclusions, clarifications, and potential estimating risks.
- Support coordination with scheduling, procurement, engineering, project management, and field teams throughout the estimating process.
- Participate in project pursuits, bid reviews, scope reviews, and other preconstruction meetings.
- Participate in site visits and project meetings as needed.
- Compile estimating data, reports, and summary information for management and project stakeholders.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating tools, workflows, templates, and cost databases.
- Maintain accurate and organized project information and estimating documentation.
- Develop broader familiarity with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems as well as civil, structural, and architectural scopes.
What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field, or an Associate's degree in Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline combined with relevant experience.
- Approximately 3–5+ years of estimating, project controls, or construction experience, preferably within electrical, MEP, mission critical, or comparable construction environments.
- Experience estimating large-scale electrical construction projects.
- Prior experience supporting data center construction projects is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, materials, and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, construction documents, and specifications.
- Experience with electrical quantity takeoffs and cost development.
- Familiarity with established labor productivity standards and estimating methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to break complex scopes into manageable components.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in takeoffs, pricing, and scope documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Experience with Bluebeam Revu for quantity takeoffs is highly valued.
- Familiarity with estimating or construction platforms such as InEight, Accubid, Procore, or similar software is a plus.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior estimators, preconstruction, engineering, project management, and field teams.
- Self-motivated and organized, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Preferred Experience
- Experience estimating hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or other large-scale data center projects.
- Experience with electrical estimating for mission critical facilities.
- Familiarity with labor productivity resources such as NECA or RS Means.
- Experience developing or maintaining estimating databases, templates, or historical cost models.
- Exposure to broader MEP systems and data center infrastructure.
- Experience with conceptual estimating, competitive bidding, or preconstruction planning.
Why This Opportunity
This is an opportunity to join a growing preconstruction organization supporting some of the most technically complex construction projects in the market.
The successful candidate will work alongside experienced estimating professionals, gain exposure to the full preconstruction lifecycle, and develop the technical and commercial skills needed to advance within the data center construction industry.
Location: Houston, TX
Work Setting: Onsite
Travel: Up to 25%
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