What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Estimator position at General Lighting Service, Inc.?
Reports To: Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager
Location: Santa Clara, CA (Full-Time, In-Office)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About GLS
GLS is a Bay Area electrical contractor focused on commercial and public works projects, with a strong presence in K-12 education. We’re a hands-on team that values accurate estimating, clear scope, and solid coordination between the office and the field. We’re looking to add an Electrical Estimator to support our growing workload and strengthen our estimating team.
About the Role
The Electrical Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, complete, and competitive estimates for a wide range of electrical construction projects. This role independently analyzes drawings, specifications, and proposal documents to develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing across multiple delivery models, including Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build.
This position is fully in-office at our Santa Clara, CA location and works closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, Engineering, Purchasing, and field leadership to ensure estimates clearly define scope, identify risk, and support successful project execution.
What You Will Do
- Prepare detailed electrical estimates for commercial, industrial, high-tech, utility infrastructure, renewable energy, and underground projects
- Review RFPs, drawings, and specifications to fully understand project scope, requirements, and constraints
- Perform quantity take-offs, equipment counts, and labor assessments from civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, low-voltage, and specialty system drawings
- Develop proposal-level designs and conceptual estimates when required
- Clearly define scope of work, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications for inclusion in proposals and scope letters
- Prepare, issue, and evaluate RFQs for material vendors and subcontractors; compare pricing and reconcile scope differences
- Maintain and develop relationships with subcontractors and material vendors
- Support value engineering efforts and participate in estimate review meetings
- Utilize estimating and take-off software such as Accubid, Bluebeam, LiveCount, Excel, and related tools
- Coordinate with project teams to ensure estimates align with construction means and methods
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support the estimating and preconstruction team
What You Bring
- Strong understanding of electrical construction means and methods
- Experience preparing, reviewing, and presenting complex electrical estimates
- Knowledge of Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build delivery models
- Ability to read and interpret multi-discipline construction documents and understand their impact on electrical scope
- Familiarity with local codes, AHJ requirements, and city and county specifications
- Proficiency with Accubid, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office tools
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision in a fast-paced estimating environment
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3 years of electrical estimating experience in commercial, industrial, utility, or infrastructure-related projects
- Experience estimating a broad range of electrical scopes across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure-related projects
- Experience estimating public works projects, including familiarity with public agency bidding requirements and documentation
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- This position is fully in-office in Santa Clara, CA
- Standard office environment with regular use of computers and estimating software
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $95,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $95,000 - $150,000