Job Title: Electrical Estimator / Cost Manager
Job Description
This role focuses on developing accurate conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for electrical scopes across multiple preconstruction projects. You will support large, high-impact construction programs by shaping budgets early, influencing cost decisions, and guiding clients through complex, evolving designs. The position sits within an MEP cost management team and is ideal for an electrical estimating professional with strong trades-level, early-phase estimating experience who enjoys working at the front end of project development.
Responsibilities
Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for electrical scopes across multiple preconstruction projects.
Support budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, and value engineering for large, complex construction programs.
Perform QA/QC reviews on estimates and deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.
Plan workloads and manage tasks for estimating deliverables, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
Perform value analysis and value engineering to identify cost-effective design and construction solutions.
Reconcile change orders, invoices, and cost impacts with general contractors, subcontractors, and third parties.
Provide post-contract cost support, including bid analysis, change management, and cost tracking.
Participate in risk and value management evaluations, contributing to project risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
Mentor and support estimators and estimating technicians, strengthening their 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 that clearly communicate cost positions and key assumptions.
Engage with internal stakeholders, project controls teams, and leadership to ensure alignment on budgets, assumptions, and risk profiles.
Participate in peer reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance estimating processes, tools, and standards.
Stay informed on local market conditions, construction trends, and industry best practices to keep estimates current and competitive.
Support bidding and tendering processes, including quantity take-offs, low-voltage and electrical scope reviews, and bid evaluations.
Apply cost consulting and quantity surveying best practices to support commercial construction projects across multiple sectors.
Essential Skills
At least 5 years of experience in electrical estimating from a subcontractor experience
Strong ecperience in conceptual estimating and early project planning for electrical scopes.
Deep technical understanding of electrical systems, low-voltage systems, and electrical construction methodologies.
Proven experience supporting large, complex commercial construction projects.
Ability to read and interpret construction schedules, drawings, and specifications.
Advanced proficiency with cost estimating methods, tools, and processes in an MEP and electrical @context.
Strong Excel skills for detailed estimating, data analysis, and reporting.
Comfort and proficiency with modern estimating and construction software such as Accubid, Bluebeam, and Procore.
Experience working as a cost consultant or quantity surveyor on project budgets and cost planning.
Ability to analyze incomplete or evolving design information and provide clear, defensible cost guidance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client-facing and internal coordination.
Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple assignments.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to QA/QC in all estimating deliverables.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with MEP cost management and preconstruction services across multiple market sectors.
Experience in electrical construction at a trades level, providing hands-on understanding of means, methods, and field conditions.
Experience with value engineering, value analysis, and feasibility studies for electrical and MEP systems.
Familiarity with commercial construction bidding, take-offs, and bid analysis processes.
Experience working within a national or global cost consulting or project management environment.
Interest in continuous learning and professional development, supported by ongoing education platforms.
Ability to collaborate effectively with regional offices and distributed project teams.
Comfort working in a matrixed environment with project controls, leadership, and client stakeholders.
Work Environment
This is a salaried position designed around a 40-hour workweek and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. The role offers fully remote flexibility within the United States.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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.
