What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Estimator position at DCE Solar?
Introduction:
We are a Privately-Owned Solar Engineering Services firm, specializing in development, design and manufacturing of structural mounting systems for commercial and industrial-scale Solar (PV) systems. In addition to providing engineered and manufactured racking and foundation solutions, we offer comprehensive project management and installation services across the U.S.
As a growing and agile company, we’re driven by innovation, technical excellence, and a shared commitment to advancing solar adoption through cost-effective, well-engineered solutions.
Our dynamic and growing installation services team is seeking a motivated Project Cost Estimator. This is a key role in executing and negotiating accurate costing for customer proposals for the Services business. This position is critical in supporting our sales and field services teams by developing detailed cost estimates for subcontracted installation services, consisting of labor, materials, and project-related logistics. This individual will help streamline proposal turnaround times, build and refine internal cost estimation tools, and support ongoing efforts to deliver best-in-class customer experiences.
Our Project Cost Estimator will identify, investigate, and resolve pre-sale and post-sale technical challenges by utilizing effective problem-solving skills, critical thinking, decision-making, negotiation, creativity, and information processing to develop and implement an effective solution. The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, highly self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement and effective execution.
Job Responsibilities:
- Develop accurate and timely cost estimates for solar installation services, including labor, subcontractor bids, equipment, and logistics.
- Analyze project documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, constraints, and unique requirements.
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering, and Project Management to ensure estimates align with design intent and execution plans.
- Engage subcontractors to solicit, review, and compare bids; maintain relationships with key installation partners nationwide.
- Evaluate technical and logistical challenges in both pre-sale and post-sale phases; propose creative, cost-effective solutions.
- Create standardized tools and templates to streamline the estimating process and improve internal consistency.
- Participate in client and subcontractor meetings, act as a technical resource during proposal reviews.
- Communicate with local authorities (AHJs), clients, and third-party reviewers to help move projects forward during the permitting or planning phase.
- Travel to job sites (~25%) to support pre-bid assessments, subcontractor evaluation, or project handoff to execution teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred.
- 3 years of experience in cost estimation for construction, solar, or engineering-related services (PV industry preferred).
- Strong understanding of construction practices, solar installation workflows, and subcontractor management.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
- Basic knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its relevance to solar and construction project compliance
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with estimating or project management software a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
- Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment; adaptable and proactive.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
Our Core Values:
We are looking for a solutionist who is an abstract thinker, optimistic, undaunted, and empathetic.
A talented and experienced individual that can run with projects from start to finish.
We want a problem solver to interact ambitiously with our business and not just accomplish a task.
The ideal individual will align well with our Core Values:
o Trust
o Excellence
o Accountability
o Collaboration
o Service
o Innovation
