We are seeking a detail-driven Project Estimator to lead preconstruction pricing and scope development for mission-critical data center cabling projects. The ideal candidate will translate client requirements and architectural drawings into accurate, profitable, and competitive bids for indoor low-voltage installations (copper and fiber) and outdoor (OSP) ducted manhole splicing projects. The Project Estimator will work together with our external partners as well as internal teams to develop a detailed cost model for resources and materials required to complete the project.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Estimating & Scope Development
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Customer Collaboration: Work directly with customers to determine connection maps, define project scopes, and ensure all technical requirements are met.
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Take-Offs & Cable Lengths: Utilize internal software tools to accurately calculate cable lengths, pathways, and conduit fill rates from project blueprints and design narratives.
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Labor & Schedule Management: Determine labor requirements, establish crew sizes, and build accurate project schedules based on productivity standards.
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Material Sourcing: Identify and price all necessary materials, including copper/fiber cable, consumables, termination hardware, and test equipment.
Specialized Data Center Scopes
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Low-Voltage Cabling: Estimate costs for pulling, dressing, cleaning, porting, and testing of fiber and copper cables.
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OSP & Fiber Splicing: Develop detailed estimates for outside plant (OSP) fiber cable projects running through ducted manhole systems on large data center campuses.
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Telecom Rooms & Pathways: Price rack/cabinet fit-outs, patch panels, cable trays, and grounding.
Bidding & Post-Award
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Build comprehensive cost estimates and customer proposals, clearly outlining inclusions, exclusions, and risk factors.
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Assist the sales and project management teams in handoffs by providing documented as-built assumptions and detailed work breakdown structures.
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Adjust bids or provide change-order pricing for scope alterations discovered during project execution.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
The Candidate must have at least 5–7 years hands on experience in telecommunications or data center low voltage cable construction and OSP cable construction & fiber splicing, with at least 3 years specifically in a project estimator capacity. Prior experience in "live" or "new-build" data center environments is non-negotiable. They must understand the nuances of hot/cold aisle containment, underfloor vs. overhead pathways, and the fragility of high-strand fiber cables.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS/TRAITS:
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Proven experience estimating low-voltage structured cabling (fiber and copper) and OSP telecommunications infrastructure.
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Strong knowledge of data center environments, mission-critical facilities, or telecom infrastructure.
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Proficiency in using software tools for cable length determination, quantity takeoffs, and project estimating (e.g., Bluebeam, Excel, specialized telecom takeoff software).
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Ability to interpret complex floor plans, port maps/matrices, and riser/rack diagrams.
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Excellent communication skills for client-facing consultations and both external partner and internal operations handoffs.
TRAVEL:
This position requires limited travel, estimated at less than 10%.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use fingers; hands; handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk or hear; reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
