POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Senior Electrical Estimator is responsible for preparing cost estimates and bid documents for a variety of electrical construction projects. Working closely with suppliers, clients, and the Chief Estimator, they ensure accurate estimates across all design stages—conceptual, schematic, design development, tender, and construction. The role includes mentoring junior estimators when applicable, maintaining estimating software and pricing databases, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. The Senior Electrical Estimator represents Symtech professionally, ensuring timely and precise estimates while adhering to company standards.
A safe and healthy work environment is one of Symtech’s primary goals and a central guiding principle for the organization. Symtech and its employees are aligned in the organization’s goal of zero incidents. Symtech’s most valuable asset is its employees. Symtech is dedicated to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all its employees. Symtech’s safety culture is encouraged within the organization and promoted through demonstrating and communicating the importance of safety within the community where work is performed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Review tender documents (instructions, RFQs, bonding, insurance, schedules) to ensure compliance with requirements.
- Analyze conceptual designs, project specifications, tender drawings, and related design documents.
- Identify design gaps and issue RFIs for ambiguous items in tender documents.
- Conduct pre-bid risk evaluations covering scope, benefits, competition, and cost factors.
- Develop installation strategies to support competitive, winning bids.
- Suggest value engineering options to improve cost-effectiveness and optimize solutions.
- Create detailed take-offs, assign items, and organize quantities in estimating software.
- Calculate material costs, labor hours, job expenses, and required equipment.
- Set up tender-specific breakout pricing and determine submission format requirements.
- Update and control estimating software databases for labor and material pricing.
- Evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes for compliance; select and recommend suitable vendors.
- Prepare lead letters for scope clarification and qualifications.
- Manage overall cost strategy from early planning stages to final construction.
- Manage time effectively to produce thorough and timely estimates.
- Present and explain estimates to clients, designers, and internal teams.
- Coordinate with stakeholders across departments and teams as needed.
- Maintain strong relationships with sub-trades, suppliers, manufacturers, and clients.
- Represent the company positively during site walkthroughs and design meetings.
- Review estimates prepared by other employees, providing quality checks when applicable.
- Provide guidance and training to new hires within the department.
- The duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing and other duties will be assigned based on the positions role within the business unit.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Certified Engineering Technologist, 309A Electrical License or Electrical Certificate of Qualification preferred. A combination of training, education, and relevant work experience may be considered equivalent.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience estimating electrical construction projects, including industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
- Proven ability to estimate a wide range of project types, coordinate group work efforts, and prepare complex proposals with minimal supervision.
- Skilled in reading and interpreting blueprints and engineering design drawings.
- Strong knowledge of procurement procedures, accounting practices, and project administration.
- Proficient in electrical estimating software, including BlueBeam, Accubid, and Live Count.
- Highly organized with strong record-keeping, follow-up, and multitasking abilities under tight deadlines.
- Demonstrates professionalism, tact, and a team-oriented mindset in a fast-paced office environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
- Ability to interface with all levels of staff in a professional manner.
- Strong administration and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
TRAVEL:
- 0-20 % travel may be required for this position.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- On site conditions: Walking or on your feet for long periods of time, high levels of noise, weather and temperature can vary depending on season, mainly outdoors.
Symtech is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity, diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require accommodation in any stage of the recruitment process, please contact hr@symtech.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.