Estimator - Solutions Engineer

Full-time - Mid Level

About the position

As the Estimator/Solutions Engineer, you will create accurate, aggressive, and profitable proposals for a variety of commercial, industrial, and enterprise projects. You will review proposal specifications, drawings, attend meetings, and review proposals within the Estimating staff for accuracy. You will focus on profitability and cost control. You will be responsible for all stages of the estimating process, including Estimate Pricing tool and Proposal. You will oversee budgeting, workflow, and deliverables for multiple complex proposals, and other duties as necessary to support the team. In this role you will report directly to the VP of Engineering in our Farmington Hills, MI headquarters office, or may work remotely (central or eastern time-zone, USA applicants only); you should be able to work productively in a remote and independent setting and be within commuting distance of a major airport for travel needs (up to 25%).

Responsibilities

• Analyze project plans, specifications, and other documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Identify labor, material, and time requirements for each project.
• Prepare proposals, budgets, and cost breakdowns for clients.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing.
• Evaluate proposals of subcontractors and vendors for completeness of scope of work, schedule, compliance with specifications, or other proposal requirements.
• Work with the Sales Account Manager to prepare a proposal plan that meets the objectives of the proposal budget and timeline.
• Prepare value engineering analysis in anticipation of the customer's best interest.
• Assist field operations with the estimate after proposal award & at project closeout.
• Prepare proposal letter including the scope of work, inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications while carefully meeting scheduled due dates.
• Review RFP specifications and validate compliance or exception while also ensuring the estimate and proposal includes any necessary cost, actions, assumptions, and exceptions.
• Proactively measure and manage project revenue/margin/profit objectives/hit rates.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Prepare and lead the Proposal Review meeting with supporting documentation.
• Distribute RFP documents for risk management review of any special requirements (legal, financial, logistics, safety, etc.), and to team members involved in the proposal and estimate preparation as required.
• Prepare an initial assessment of the technical, financial, schedule or any other unusual risks associated with a proposal.
• Obtain feedback from projects for 'lessons learned' to incorporate in future proposals. Modify process accordingly.
• Monitor overall proposal costs and budgets and report metrics to senior management.
• Evaluates new products and services from vendors and coordinates and/or participates in the development of training programs to improve the process.
• Create and apply RF Connect standards throughout the estimating and proposal process.

Requirements

• Previous experience in Construction Management & Estimating.
• Distributed Antenna Systems, building wiring/electrical/low voltage cabling knowledge and experience strongly preferred.
• Proposal management and construction management experience.
• Building/permit knowledge.
• Experience in a business analyst/project management role in a complex technology and systems environment with multi-projects simultaneously.
• Proven customer relationship skills, customer service, customer support.
• Ability to multi-task and well organized.
• Excellent troubleshooting/problem solving skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Mgmt or Engineering (or related field), and/or equivalent experience/certifications, or working towards a degree.
• Any related industry and/or manufacturer certifications a plus.
• Familiarity with iBwave, JDSU, Invex, AutoCAD a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive, commensurate with experience.
• Health benefits.
• HSA w/ company matching.
• 401k w/ company matching.
• PTO w/ rollover.