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Hatzel & Buehler

Builds and maintains electrical systems for buildings

Senior Estimator

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/21/2026
$140k - $160k
Expert
Bachelor's
New York, NY, USA
In PersonFully in person, on site.
Architecture & Civil EngineeringConstruction Management

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • At least 10 years of experience is required.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Electrical Engineering is preferred.
  • Advanced electrical estimating experience is required.
  • Ability to estimate institutional, commercial, and industrial building projects is required.
  • Knowledge of standard electrical pricing for union and merit shop projects is preferred.
  • Proficiency with estimating software such as Accubid and experience with online bid portals are required.
  • Relevant certifications, such as CQE, are a plus.
  • Experience estimating electrical components of projects is required.
  • Ability to evaluate and negotiate costs effectively is required.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders is required.
  • Ability to review and understand complex project plans and specifications is required.
  • Ability to substantiate and justify all aspects of final estimates is required.
Responsibilities
  • Produce accurate estimates of material and labor costs for the electrical elements of projects.
  • Prepare and send accurate electrical estimates and tender documentation.
  • Analyze received quotes for electrical materials and labor costs, using negotiation to achieve optimal value.
  • Evaluate technical requirements and estimating costs to determine prices and margins for electrical equipment.
  • Create and deliver estimates and quotations to potential customers, aligning them with customer needs and business requirements.
  • Work with the Branch Manager, subcontractors, engineers, and Development Managers during the estimating and tender process.
  • Use estimating software such as Accubid and online bid portals for final submissions.
  • Evaluate bid opportunities, liaise with potential clients, and work within project deadlines to produce accurate electrical estimates.
  • Review and understand project plans, requirements, and specifications.
  • Review quotes and estimates with the Branch Manager and Pre-Construction Manager, and prepare recommendations for resolving project risks.
  • Identify and report marketplace escalation factors affecting material and labor rates.
  • Compare and analyze competitive subcontractor and supplier bids after submission.
  • Substantiate all aspects of final estimates to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • Facilitate a comprehensive project handoff to the Project Manager and construction team upon award, including scope, assumptions, and cost breakdowns.
  • Maintain a detailed Bid / Pending / Awarded log to monitor estimating activity, bid status, and project outcomes.
  • Review estimates prepared by junior estimators, providing leadership and guidance to support their development and ensure adherence to company estimating standards.
Desired Qualifications
  • Knowledge of standard electrical pricing for union and merit shop projects is preferred.
  • Relevant certifications, such as CQE, are a plus.

About the company

Hatzel & Buehler designs, installs and maintains electrical systems for commercial buildings, hospitals, industrial facilities and institutional campuses. Its work ranges from individual service calls to construction projects with multiple phases, combining electrical engineering with installation and ongoing maintenance. Customers hire the contractor to build or upgrade the infrastructure that powers their properties, then service those systems after construction. Its projects include backup power for university research buildings, with generator sizing and connections to building controls handled within the same contract. The business began in 1884 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Wilmington, DE

Founded

1884

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Workers have explicit stop-work authority: everyone on Hatzel & Buehler sites is authorized to call a safety timeout.
  • Student pay is explicit: summer 2027 Project Management Interns pursuing relevant bachelor's degrees earn $15-$25 hourly.
  • Education support accompanies senior procurement work: Wilmington's full-time Purchasing Director receives tuition reimbursement and a matching retirement plan.

What critics are saying

  • Entry is selective: Hatzel & Buehler's Reading-area electricians need five years' experience and apprenticeship certification.
  • Lancaster safety work extends beyond office hours: the role requires travel and occasional evening or weekend work.
  • Wilmington's Purchasing Director has no remote option: the position is fully on-site, Monday through Friday.

What makes Hatzel & Buehler unique

  • Prefabrication stays in-house: Hatzel & Buehler uses dedicated union electricians rather than subcontractors to build and install assemblies.
  • Coordinated delivery spans disciplines: Hatzel & Buehler partners with Bluestone Communications and Blue Sky Controls on electrical projects.
  • Trade relationships have deep roots: Hatzel & Buehler is the National Electrical Contractors Association's longest continuous member.

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