Estimator

Estimator
Location: Austin, Tx
Reports To: Sales Engineer - Controls, 5K Automation and Controls
Employment Type: Full-Time
 

5K Automation and Controls is a newly established building automation and energy management company affiliated with Hays Electrical Services — a nationally recognized electrical contractor with over 19 years of experience delivering safe, high-quality electrical solutions across commercial, industrial, and specialty markets. Built on the same foundation of safety, excellence, drive, communication, and client focus that defines Hays, and 5K Automation and Controls was created to meet the growing demand for intelligent, scalable BAS/EMS solutions across enterprise and multi-site portfolios nationwide. Our mission is simple: to make ourselves indispensable to our clients by delivering technically sound, commercially smart building automation solutions that perform.

Position Summary

The Estimator supports 5K Automation and Controls construction-channel growth by developing accurate, detailed cost estimates for GC bid opportunities. This role performs quantity takeoffs from mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings, builds labor hour and material cost estimates, and maintains the estimating templates and pricing data that keep 5K's bids competitive and profitable. The Estimator works under the direction of the Sales Engineer — Controls, providing dedicated estimating capacity as Track 1 GC bid volume grows beyond what the Sales Engineer can support alone. This is an individual contributor role well suited to someone who is precise, deadline-driven, and comfortable translating construction drawings into accurate cost and labor projections.

Key Responsibilities

● Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings for GC bid opportunities across Track 1 construction-channel projects

● Develop labor hour estimates for controls installation, programming, startup, commissioning support, and documentation using 5K's approved estimating templates

● Build material cost estimates by researching and applying current manufacturer pricing for DDC controllers, field devices, network components, and software licenses

● Support the Sales Engineer in assembling GC bid packages, including equipment schedule inputs, cost summaries, and exclusion/clarification lists

● Maintain and update the estimating templates and pricing database with current labor rates, material costs, and productivity factors

● Compare completed bid estimates against actual project costs to refine estimating accuracy and identify recurring variances

● Coordinate with manufacturer partners to obtain current pricing, lead times, and product availability for bid-critical equipment

● Log and track all estimating activity in the CRM/bid log, including bid due dates and estimate status

● Flag scope ambiguities, drawing conflicts, or missing information to the Sales Engineer before finalizing an estimate

● Review subcontractor and vendor quotes for accuracy and completeness as part of bid package assembly

 

Qualifications & Skills

Required

● 2–5 years of experience in construction estimating, ideally in BAS/EMS, HVAC controls, low-voltage, or mechanical/electrical construction

● Proficiency with quantity takeoff and estimating software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or equivalent) and estimating spreadsheets

● Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings and specifications

● Strong attention to detail and accuracy while working under bid deadline pressure

● Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with CRM or project management tools

● Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Preferred

● Working knowledge of BACnet, Niagara/Tridium, or comparable open-protocol BAS platforms

● Experience estimating for GC-channel construction bids

● Familiarity with Distech Controls, Delta Controls, or other BAS manufacturer platforms

● Exposure to data center, CRE, healthcare, or industrial vertical construction estimating
 

Why Join 5K Automation and Controls?

At 5K Automation and Controls, you're joining a ground-floor opportunity with the backing of an established, financially strong parent organization. You'll have the resources to do your best work, a team invested in your success, and a culture built on accountability, collaboration, and excellence. If you're ready to grow with a company that is redefining what a controls company can be — we want to hear from you.