Job Title: Electrical EstimatorJob Description
This role focuses on preparing detailed and accurate electrical construction cost estimates for large, capital construction projects. The Electrical Estimator reviews blueprints and other project documents, performs precise quantity takeoffs, and develops unit cost pricing using industry-standard tools and estimating software. The position collaborates closely with engineers and project teams to clarify project scope, supports preconstruction and bidding activities, and contributes to continuous improvement in estimating accuracy and efficiency. This opportunity offers long-term project stability, exposure to major contractors and consultants, and clear pathways for professional growth within a global organization.
Responsibilities
Review blueprints, specifications, and other construction documents to prepare detailed and accurate electrical cost estimates.
Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs based on available design documents for electrical and related construction disciplines.
Obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing information from databases, contractors, suppliers, and other sources to support cost estimates.
Input estimate takeoff information into estimating systems and develop unit cost pricing for specific disciplines.
Work closely with engineers to develop a clear understanding of project scope during estimate preparation.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with members of architectural and engineering firms and other project team members.
Assist senior staff in identifying ways to make projects more efficient and cost-effective.
Continuously seek opportunities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of estimating tasks and processes.
Maintain project documents such as drawings and specifications in an organized and accessible manner.
Maintain project files on the file server in accordance with company standards and document control procedures.
Maintain and update a data library of historical and current cost information for use in future estimates.
Prepare cost reconciliations between two or more estimates and clearly explain variance cost drivers.
Support preconstruction and bidding activities, including the use of electrical estimating software and tools.
Contribute to project controls by providing reliable cost data that supports scheduling, procurement, and contract management activities.
Essential Skills
At least 3 years of experience as an estimator in manufacturing and/or mechanical, electrical, or process piping contracting environments.
Approximately seven years of relevant overall experience in construction estimating or a closely related field.
Bachelor's degree in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.
Hands-on experience with electrical estimation, construction estimation, and preconstruction activities.
Ability to interpret and analyze blueprints, drawings, and construction documents for electrical and general construction projects.
Working knowledge of electronic takeoff tools, including CAD-based measurement such as CAD Measure.
Working knowledge of a commercially available construction cost estimating system.
Proficiency with estimating software tools used in electrical construction and bidding processes.
Ability to obtain and analyze pricing from contractors, suppliers, and databases to support detailed cost estimates.
Strong understanding of construction management principles related to cost, quantity takeoff, and bidding.
Ability to use Information Technology tools effectively, including Internet and Intranet resources.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat for handling project documents and specifications.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including applications such as Word and Excel for documentation and reporting.
Proficiency with Microsoft Project for schedule-related coordination and integration with cost data.
Strong organizational skills to maintain drawings, specifications, and project files in a structured and compliant manner.
Ability to prepare cost reconciliations and clearly explain differences and cost drivers between multiple estimates.
Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, project teams, and external stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with electrical construction, preconstruction, and bidding in large capital construction projects.
Experience using specialized electrical estimating tools such as Acubid and NECA-based estimating systems.
Professional designations such as RICS, CCE, CCM, AIA, PE, ASPE, AACEI, CVS, AVS, RA, or relevant appraisal licensure are preferred.
Exposure to project controls, scheduling, procurement, and contract management is beneficial.
Ability to work effectively within a growing estimating team and contribute to a collaborative culture.
Demonstrated interest in continuous improvement of estimating processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
Comfort working with multiple stakeholders, including top contractors and consultants in regional markets.
Work Environment
The role supports a large, capital construction project that is expected to continue for many years, providing long-term stability and ongoing engagement with complex, high-profile work. The position offers significant exposure to many leading contractors and consultants in the Portland area and the broader region. The organization operates globally across multiple sectors and provides opportunities to support other local and regional projects, allowing flexibility if one project scales up or down. The estimating team is actively growing, offering clear opportunities for career development and advancement within a multi-layered structure and across various locations. The work environment is professional and technology-driven, utilizing electronic takeoff tools, construction cost estimating systems, CAD-based measurement, and standard productivity software such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and Adobe Acrobat. Team members collaborate closely with project controls, scheduling, procurement, and contract management functions to support a leading semiconductor facility and other complex projects. Once hired, employees receive three weeks of accrued paid time off and seven paid holidays, contributing to a supportive and balanced work environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Beaverton, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $67.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Beaverton,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 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.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
