Controls Estimator
Role Summary
The Building Automation Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for Building Automation Systems (BAS) projects across commercial, industrial, and mission‑critical facilities. This role supports pursuits from early conceptual budgeting through fully developed tender submissions, ensuring scope clarity, risk identification, and alignment with technical, commercial, and operational requirements.
The estimator works closely with engineering, project management, sales, and vendor partners to develop compliant, executable, and profitable BAS solutions covering HVAC controls, integration, networking, and associated low‑voltage systems.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Pre‑Construction
- Review RFPs, drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation to fully define BAS scope, inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions
- Develop detailed labor and material take‑offs for BAS, DDC, PLC‑based controls, networks, panels, and field devices
- Prepare conceptual, budgetary, and firm price estimates for new construction, retrofit, and upgrade projects
- Build bottom‑up cost models including engineering, software, commissioning, and project management effort
- Identify project risks, constraints, and opportunities for value engineering while maintaining performance and uptime requirements.
Vendor & Subcontractor Engagement
- Solicit and evaluate pricing from OEMs, panel shops, and specialist subcontractors
- Maintain vendor pricing databases and support negotiations on discounts, lead times, and commercial terms
- Ensure alignment between estimated scope and supplier quotations, identifying gaps or overlaps early.
Technical & Commercial Coordination
- Collaborate with controls engineers and consultants to validate system architectures and device selections
- Support bid reviews with internal stakeholders and present estimate basis, clarifications, and assumptions
- Assist business development teams during client presentations, tender interviews, and clarification periods
- Support handover from estimating to project execution teams upon award.
Process & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to estimating standards, templates, and cost databases
- Track estimate accuracy versus project outcomes and support continuous improvement initiatives
- Mentor junior estimators or engineers as required.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Proven experience in Building Automation, HVAC controls, or related MEP estimating
- Strong understanding of BAS platforms, controls architectures, and integration concepts
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings and specifications
- High proficiency in Excel‑based estimating models and take‑off tools
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with technical and commercial stakeholders
Preferred
- Experience estimating data centers, life sciences, healthcare, or other mission‑critical facilities
- Familiarity with major BAS OEMs (e.g., Siemens, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, ALC, Distech)
- Background in controls engineering, commissioning, or project management
- Knowledge of design‑build and negotiated procurement models.
FAQs
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