Senior Estimator

Job Posting: Senior Estimator

Reports To: Director of Pre-Construction

Company: SunVest Solar, LLC®

Location: Chicago, IL (3 days a week in office)

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary Discretionary Bonus Comprehensive Benefits

Are you passionate about renewable energy and eager to have a meaningful impact through your career? SunVest Solar, LLC (“SunVest”) is a rapidly growing, renewable energy platform, headquartered in Chicago with assets across the country. We are expanding our team and seeking a Senior Estimator to play a pivotal role in supporting the pre-construction needs of our growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. As a leader in solar development with a robust project pipeline, SunVest offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to thrive in the dynamic world of renewable energy.

About SunVest:

SunVest is a Chicago-based renewable energy company driving the transition to a sustainable future. With more than 2 gigawatts of development projects and a growing portfolio of operational assets expected to reach 300 megawatts in 2026, SunVest is shaping the future of renewable energy. Our expertise spans the entire energy transition value chain, from development and construction to financing and operations. For more information, visit www.sunvest.com.

Position Overview:

SunVest’s Pre-Construction team is responsible for evaluating project feasibility, developing accurate cost estimates, optimizing design for cost efficiency, and coordinating with engineering, procurement, and development teams to ensure financially viable solar projects. As the Senior Estimator based in our Chicago HQ, you will work closely with other team members to analyze project costs, prepare detailed estimates, assess material and labor expenses, and support bid evaluations for subcontractors and vendors. Your expertise will be pivotal to SunVest’s ongoing success, contributing to our sustainable growth strategy and the development of strategic plans for managing and improving renewable energy generation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop precise cost estimates – Prepare detailed estimates for commercial solar projects, ensuring accuracy in labor, materials, subcontractor, and overhead costs.
• Coordinate with EPCs and external partners – Manage Requests for Pricing (RFPs) with EPC contractors, subcontractors, and vendors to obtain competitive and accurate cost data.
• Interpret project requirements – Review and analyze customer scope of work, project drawings, and technical specifications to develop comprehensive bid proposals.
• Source competitive pricing – Identify and solicit subcontractor and vendor bids, ensuring alignment with project scope and budget goals.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs – Break down electrical, civil, structural, and mechanical components to assess total project costs.
• Optimize project designs – Work closely with Pre-Construction, Engineering, Procurement, and Development teams to enhance cost efficiency.
• Lead the estimating process – Manage all aspects from pre-bid preparation to project handoff, ensuring estimates support financial and operational objectives.
• Analyze market trends – Utilize historical cost data to improve forecasting, budgeting, and value engineering strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally – Work with project sponsors, trade partners, and internal teams to refine estimating methodologies and ensure project feasibility.
• Support project execution – Ensure smooth handoff by reviewing vendor submittals and verifying compliance with design specifications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating, with at least 2 years in the solar industry.
• Experience in construction cost estimation, including materials, labor, subcontractor pricing, and risk analysis.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, ProEst, Primavera, Excel, or similar).
• A deep passion for the renewable energy sector and a principled approach to fostering sustainable energy solutions.
• Comfortable with taking a collaborative approach to making suggestions that can improve existing processes; we value team members who are proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and are eager to work with others to implement positive changes.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Full-time position with competitive base salary commensurate with experience, bonus opportunities, 401(k) employer match, health/vision/dental benefits.
• Paid time off including company holidays.
• Great opportunity to work with a well-respected fast-growing company in an exciting industry.
• Opportunity for advancement.

Join SunVest in leading the charge to cultivate access to renewable energy for America!

SunVest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

The salary range for this role reflects the broad array of factors considered in making compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications, as well as other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $130-165K. At SunVest, it is uncommon for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, as compensation decisions are tailored to the specifics of each case.

We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. We request that recruiters and agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this or any other role within the company. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Salary : $130,000 - $165,000