Job Description
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