Estimator (Utility Scale Solar)

Department:

Estimating / Preconstruction

Reports To:

Director of Preconstruction / Chief Operations Officer

Location:

Corporate Office / Project-Based Travel as Needed (Solar Construction Sites)

Employment Type:

Full-Time

ABOUT POWER RAY

Power Ray operates in the utility-scale solar industry with a mission of empowering people and the world one project at a time. We specialize in the construction of utility-scale solar farms, delivering sustainable and efficient solar energy solutions for large-scale projects across the U.S.

Our vision is to be the most trusted global energy company, delivering exceptional projects and empowering a better future for generations to come.

We live by our core values:

• Integrity: Adhering to high ethical standards, acting with honesty and honor, and keeping our word.
• Accountability: Taking full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Commitment: Delivering outstanding service with passion, resilience, and dedication to our mission.
• Respect: Showing consideration and appreciation for the rights, beliefs, and feelings of others.
• Results: Driving performance through measurable achievements and a focus on real outcomes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and risk-adjusted cost estimates for utility-scale solar EPC projects. This role plays a critical part in securing profitable work by translating conceptual designs, drawings, and specifications into detailed cost models.

The Estimator collaborates closely with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure pricing aligns with execution realities and company margin expectations.

STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITY

Bid Strategy Alignment

• Align estimating approach with company growth strategy and target markets.
• Support go/no-go decisions based on risk and margin profile.
• Contribute to competitive positioning strategies.

Cost Intelligence & Market Awareness

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of labor, material, and equipment pricing trends.
• Track commodity fluctuations (steel, modules, electrical components).
• Develop historical cost database for benchmarking.

Risk-Adjusted Estimating

• Identify scope gaps and constructability risks.
• Incorporate contingency based on risk profile.
• Collaborate with Operations to validate production assumptions.

OPERATIONAL EXECUTION

Estimate Development

• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs (civil, mechanical, electrical scopes).
• Develop labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material cost models.
• Build comprehensive bid packages aligned with RFP requirements.

Proposal Support

• Participate in internal bid reviews and strategy meetings.
• Support Business Development with pricing clarifications.
• Assist in value engineering and scope optimization.

Database & Systems Management

• Maintain estimating software and cost libraries.
• Update production rates based on project feedback.
• Archive bid documents for future reference.

Key Operational KPIs

Estimate Accuracy Variance (%)

Win Rate on Targeted Bids

Bid Turnaround Time

Scope Completeness Rate

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Margin Integrity

• Ensure estimates meet target gross margin thresholds.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities during bid phase.
• Validate labor productivity assumptions.

Budget Alignment

• Provide baseline budgets for project handoff.
• Ensure clear cost code breakdown for job cost tracking.
• Participate in project kickoff financial review.

Financial KPIs

Bid Margin Accuracy (+/- 5-10%)

Gross Margin on Awarded Projects

Contingency Utilization Rates

Cost Overrun Frequency from Estimating

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Construction Managers for production validation.
• Support Procurement with vendor pricing validation.
• Collaborate with Finance on cash flow modeling input.

Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor junior estimators or analysts.
• Provide cost insight to executive leadership.
• Participate in post-project reviews for continuous improvement.

Accountability & Communication

• Maintain clear documentation of assumptions.
• Communicate risks and pricing drivers transparently.
• Uphold professionalism in all bid communications.

COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

Contract Scope Review

• Analyze RFP documents and drawings for scope clarity.
• Identify exclusions and clarify assumptions in proposals.
• Ensure alignment with contractual risk tolerance.

Documentation & Audit Readiness

• Maintain bid files for audit and historical analysis.
• Ensure proper version control of estimates.
• Support claim defense when necessary.

Ethical & Procurement Compliance

• Follow company procurement and bidding ethics policies.
• Maintain confidentiality of bid information.
• Ensure anti-collusion and fair bidding compliance.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Utility-Scale Solar Construction Knowledge

Quantity Take-Off & Cost Modeling

Financial & Margin Analysis

Risk Identification

Construction Productivity Benchmarking

Estimating Software Proficiency

Strong Analytical Skills

Detail Orientation

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-10+ years of estimating experience (utility-scale solar or heavy civil preferred).
• Strong understanding of EPC project structures.
• Proficiency in estimating tools (e.g., Bluebeam, HCSS, HeavyBid, or similar).
• Strong Excel modeling skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.

SUCCESS PROFILE: YEAR 1 IMPACT

Improve Estimate Accuracy to Within +/- 5%

Increase Win Rate on Targeted Opportunities

Reduce Scope Gaps During Project Execution

Strengthen Cost Database for Future Bids

Improve Handoff Clarity Between Preconstruction & Operations

Other Duties as Assigned

This job description outlines primary responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Employees may be required to perform other tasks as assigned to support project success, operational needs, and company objectives.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person