Senior MEP Estimator

Overview

The Senior MEP Estimator  is responsible for all aspects of estimating the most complex and large-scale jobs, including pre-construction, hard bids, negotiated bids, budgets, general conditions, systems studies and comparisons, value engineering, subcontractor relations and staying abreast of industry developments applicable to estimating. 

Suffolk is seeking people who are bold. Curious. Innovative. Caring. Looking for the career opportunity of a lifetime. We’ll challenge and inspire you to be your very best. We’ll embrace what makes you unique and lift you up as you take chances. Here, you’ll find a place where you can act with purpose and integrity, bringing intelligence and grit to every aspect of your job. Join us for the chance to achieve your ambitions and build your legacy.

Responsibilities

 Estimate Development and Cost Planning

• Lead the estimate lifecycle. Prepare electrical estimates for conceptual, schematic, design-development, construction-document, GMP, negotiated, design-build, and lump-sum bid phases.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs. Review drawings, specifications, models, narratives, equipment data, and owner standards; quantify labor, material, equipment, supplier, subcontractor, testing, and indirect requirements.
• Use multiple pricing methods. Develop estimates from detailed takeoff, unit rates, standard assemblies, historical benchmarks, supplier quotations, and factored models appropriate to the level of design.
• Establish the estimate basis. Prepare assumptions, clarifications, alternates, allowances, contingencies, escalation, location factors, schedule premiums, logistics impacts, and procurement considerations.
• Reconcile progressive estimates. Compare estimate versions, explain design and market variances, review estimated-versus-actual performance, and recommend corrective updates to cost models.
• Communicate the estimate. Prepare narratives, executive summaries, system comparisons, and presentations for owners, designers, leadership, and project teams; respond to questions with clear supporting data.

Electrical, Low-Voltage, and I&C Technical Scope

• Estimate complete electrical systems. Include utility interfaces, medium- and low-voltage distribution, substations, transformers, switchgear, switchboards, motor control centers, busway, feeders, branch power, equipment connections, grounding and bonding, lighting and controls, emergency and standby power, generators, UPS and DC systems, fire alarm, communications, security, and temporary power.
• Interpret high-tech design information. Read and reconcile one-line diagrams, risers, panel and equipment schedules, control schematics, cable and conduit schedules, P&IDs, instrument indexes, I/O lists, loop diagrams, control narratives, sequences of operation, and process-equipment utility requirements.
• Address gas and chemical system interfaces. Understand the electrical and controls infrastructure serving bulk and specialty gas systems, chemical delivery, hazardous production material monitoring, gas and leak detection, abatement, ventilation interlocks, and emergency shutdown functions.
• Quantify I&C scope. Evaluate field instruments, control panels, PLC, SCADA, BMS and EPMS interfaces, control power, raceway, cable, terminations, communications networks, calibration, testing, and system integration, while clearly defining trade and vendor boundaries.
• Account for testing and turnover. Include inspections, energization, startup support, factory and field testing, integrated systems testing, commissioning, training, spare parts, documentation, and operations and maintenance requirements.
• Evaluate constructability and productivity. Apply labor factors for cleanroom protocols, gowning, congestion, elevation, access, operating-facility restrictions, outages, phasing, off-shift work, overtime, schedule compression, and concurrent trade activity.
• Apply applicable requirements. Maintain working knowledge of relevant codes, authority requirements, owner design criteria, quality standards, and project-specific safety and installation requirements.

Trade Partner and Supplier Bid Management

• Develop the procurement plan. Build qualified bidder lists and identify electrical contractors, low-voltage integrators, I&C partners, equipment manufacturers, and specialty suppliers appropriate to the project.
• Prepare bid packages. Issue clear scopes of work, bid forms, responsibility matrices, alternates, schedule requirements, logistics criteria, and pricing instructions.
• Manage bidder communication. Lead pre-bid reviews, site walks, scope meetings, and requests for information; follow up to secure timely and complete participation.
• Level and analyze proposals. Normalize labor, material, equipment, exclusions, clarifications, allowances, testing, commissioning, schedule, and scope boundaries; identify gaps, duplication, risk, and opportunities.
• Validate pricing and lead times. Confirm major equipment quotations, commodity exposure, escalation assumptions, freight, taxes, storage, warranty, release dates, and long-lead procurement constraints.

Value, Risk, Procurement, and Modularization

• Develop value options. Evaluate system and equipment alternatives, distribution strategies, redundancy approaches, feeder and busway concepts, low-voltage architecture, temporary systems, and installation methods without compromising required performance.
• Lead scope and risk reviews. Identify design incompleteness, coordination issues, system interfaces, schedule constraints, temporary conditions, commissioning dependencies, and market risks; recommend allowances or contingency supported by analysis.
• Evaluate modular construction. Estimate prefabricated electrical rooms, e-houses, equipment skids, modular utility assemblies, multi-trade racks, and off-site fabrication, including design, fabrication, inspection, freight, cranage, setting, field tie-ins, testing, and startup.
• Support procurement strategy. Identify long-lead electrical equipment and release requirements; develop early procurement, substitution, owner-furnished equipment, and package-sequencing recommendations.
• Support operations after award. Provide estimate turnover, scope clarification, subcontractor buyout, and lessons learned through project completion.

Cost Intelligence, Collaboration, and Leadership

• Maintain cost intelligence. Develop and update unit-rate databases, labor productivity factors, assemblies, commodity trackers, supplier benchmarks, and historical cost records by system, project type, and region.
• Improve estimating accuracy. Compare estimate assumptions to procurement and field results, identify variance drivers, and implement improvements to templates, work breakdown structures, and estimating procedures.
• Coordinate across disciplines. Work closely with owners, architects, electrical and process engineers, commissioning providers, procurement, project executives, project managers, superintendents, VDC teams, and other estimators.
• Mentor and review. Provide technical guidance, quality reviews, and coaching to junior estimators and project team members; promote consistent estimating standards and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

Experience. Seven or more years of progressive electrical estimating, preconstruction, project management, project engineering, or field experience with a general contractor, electrical trade partner or similar construction organization.

• Advanced-technology background. Demonstrated experience estimating semiconductor, battery, life sciences manufacturing, data center, or other process-intensive facilities.
• GC estimating capability. Proven ability to develop complete estimates at multiple design stages, identify missing scope, lead trade partner bid analysis, and balance cost, risk, schedule, constructability, and project objectives.
• Technical fluency. Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, labor productivity, equipment procurement, low-voltage systems, I&C interfaces, process utility connections, and testing and commissioning requirements.
• Document interpretation. Ability to read and reconcile incomplete and complete design documents, including drawings, specifications, P&IDs, one-lines, controls information, equipment data, and digital models.
• Cost-modeling skills. Proficiency in detailed takeoff, unit-rate and assembly development, conceptual estimating, estimate reconciliation, historical benchmarking, and estimated-versus-actual analysis.
• Technology. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and working proficiency with digital takeoff, estimating, document-management, and collaboration software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable platforms.
• Communication. Ability to write clear estimate narratives, lead scope discussions, present recommendations, negotiate clarifications, and build productive relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Education. Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent electrical trade, field leadership, project management, or estimating experience will be considered.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law.  This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk. 

Compensation Information

Where required by law, pay ranges can be found in Suffolk's job postings. Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk’s total rewards package for employees. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall total rewards strategy. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly to reflect market trends.

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self-perform construction, and technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds. 

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $13 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. 

At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That’s why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more.  For more information, click here.