Lead Electrical Estimator

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled professional to join our Preconstruction, MEP Cost Management team. This role involves preparing accurate, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for the electrical scope across multiple preconstruction projects. You will support budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, and value engineering while performing QA/QC reviews, workload planning, and task management for estimating deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Prepare schematic and detailed cost estimates for electrical scope across preconstruction projects.
• Support budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, and value engineering.
• Perform QA/QC reviews, workload planning, and task management for estimating deliverables.
• Conduct Value Analysis and reconcile change orders, invoices, and cost impacts with general contractors, subcontractors, and third parties.
• Provide post-contract cost support, including bid analysis and change management.
• Participate in risk and value management evaluations.
• Mentor and support estimators and estimating technicians to strengthen technical and procedural knowledge.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and reliable cost guidance.
• Prepare client-facing reports, milestone estimates, and executive-ready summaries.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, project controls teams, and leadership to ensure alignment.
• Participate in peer reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay informed on local market conditions, construction trends, and industry best practices.

Essential Skills

• 10 years of experience in electrical estimating from a subcontractor.
• Strong background in conceptual estimating and early project planning.
• Deep technical understanding of electrical scopes, systems, and construction methodologies.
• Proven experience supporting large, complex construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction schedules and specifications.
• Advanced proficiency with cost estimating methods and tools.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with modern estimating software: accubid, bluebeam, procore.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze incomplete or evolving design information and provide clear cost guidance.
• Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with MEP, construction processes, and commercial construction.
• Proficiency in low voltage bidding and takeoffs.
• Experience with quantity survey and estimation.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position with flexibility to collaborate with regional offices and project teams as needed. The role supports large, high-impact construction programs across multiple market sectors and offers remote flexibility within the United States. The more lead levels (associate/director) may require a hybrid presence at offices located in Sacramento/Roseville, San Diego, Nashville, Manhattan, or Miami. The company promotes work-life balance with a 40-hour work week and offers benefits like 80 hours of PTO, 8 holidays, 401k, and medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $75.11/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan -- Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.