Estimator Work Location: Denver Area or Remote
Bonfire believes that every American deserves access to affordable broadband because it improves quality of life. We believe broadband is for all—not just some—and we are committed to eradicating digital inequity with infrastructure and services designed to last for generations.
The culture of our business and our people are what make us different. Our passion is creating an environment where everyone matters and can make a difference. We hire, inspire, and grow together based on these values – that’s the Bonfire way.
Our Core Values:
Our Commitment: We create passionate supporters of our clients so we can deliver on our greater purpose.
Character Matters: We treat everyone with respect, honesty, and dignity.
Be the Fuel: We learn, grow, and push ourselves to be better.
Collaborate, Don’t Isolate: We share ideas transparently without ego or agenda.
Job Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented Estimator to support the bidding and estimating of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure projects. This role is responsible for developing accurate, timely cost estimates based on project requirements, drawings, and specifications while working closely with Senior Estimators and cross-functional teams. The Estimator will be heavily involved in the Bonfire proposal process, vendor coordination, and procurement support across active projects. Because pursuit volume can fluctuate, the Estimator is also expected to flex into process improvement work—helping develop repeatable tools, templates, and automation (as approved) that improve estimating throughput and strengthen the business development–to– operations handoff. The position combines estimating and procurement responsibilities and is ideal for professionals looking to grow within the telecom industry who understand how telecommunications networks are designed and constructed and can apply that knowledge to develop reliable estimates, support procurement strategy, and mitigate construction risk.
What You Get to Do (Duties/Responsibilities):
- Review RFP/RFQ specifications, drawings, and related documents to understand project scope and requirements.
- Perform labor and material take-offs for engineering and construction using drawings, PDFs, and KMZ files.
- Assist with preparing project cost estimates, budgets, and proposal deliverables.
- Support vendor and subcontractor quote requests, comparisons, and evaluations.
- Maintain organized files and documentation related to estimating efforts.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings and internal bid reviews as requested.
- Conduct route surveys as needed to gather estimating data.
- Collaborate with engineering, construction, contracts, and legal teams.
- Continuously develop estimating skills, tools knowledge, and industry best practices.
- When RFP volume is low, support estimating and business development process improvements (e.g., maintain historical cost libraries, improve templates, build repeatable scope checklists, and help develop approved automation/agent workflows that strengthen the estimating/solution-building-to-operations handoff).
- Leverage AI-enabled and automation tools (as approved) to improve the speed and consistency of take-offs, scope reviews, and estimate validation; document assumptions and verify outputs against drawings, quantities, and field conditions.
What We Are Searching For (Required Skills/Abilities):
- Working knowledge of underground and aerial telecommunications construction methods. Ability to read and interpret engineering and construction drawings.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Google Earth and B2W is a plus.
- Comfort working with data in Excel (including formulas/pivots); ability to build or maintain basic automation (e.g., templates, Power Query, simple macros) is a plus.
- Experience managing large datasets used in estimating (e.g., bid tabs, unit-rate libraries, BOM/material pricing, vendor quote history): able to clean, structure, validate, and version data so it can be reused confidently.
- Experience using AI-assisted tools for document review, summarization, or estimating support (e.g., to compare scope, extract key requirements, or draft narratives) while maintaining human judgment and accountability.
- Ability to read, modify, or write light scripts (e.g., Python) to clean bid data, perform quantity calculations, or automate repetitive estimating tasks is a plus.
- Understands responsible use of AI and data; protects confidential/client information, follows company/tooling policies, and validates any AI-generated output before it is used in estimates or proposals.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively and under guidance of Senior Estimators.
- Understanding of basic construction risk considerations.
Experience:
- 1+ years of estimating or bidding experience in telecommunications or construction
- 3+ years of engineering and/or construction experience in telecommunications
- Previous engineering and construction experience preferred.
- Experience using AI-assisted tools and/or basic coding/automation (e.g., Excel Power Query, simple macros, or Python) to support take-offs, bid data cleanup, and estimate validation is a plus.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
- Coursework, certificate, or demonstrated self-study in data analytics, automation, or AI tools (e.g., Python fundamentals, Excel Power Query, or prompt-based document analysis) is a plus.
What’s In It for You?
Base Pay: $75,000-$85,000
Supplemental Pay: Bonus Pay is 10% annually based on performance
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits and Ancillary Benefits:
- A Great Culture and Environment
- Active Community Giving Program
- Rewards/Engagement Program
- Professional Growth Account (PGA)
- Flexible Time-Off
- New Hire Remote Office Stipend
- 401(k) + Company Matching
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
- Life Insurance, Disability, and Supplemental Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program
- Legal Plan, Identity Protection, and Pet Insurance
- Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement
Additional Details:
Background checks, education verification, employment verification, and drug screens will be conducted upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Telecommunications engineering and/or construction.: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: Remote
