Low Voltage Estimator - Structured Cabling

Low Voltage Estimator – Structured Cabling

Austin, TX | Full-Time | Benefits Eligible

About Electra Link:

Founded in 1985, Electra Link has remained at the forefront of technology, delivering structured cabling, audiovisual, security, and technology solutions across Texas and beyond. Our capabilities range from single network cable drops to complex multi-building installations and large-scale technology projects.

Our experienced design, estimating, project management, and installation teams work together to deliver quality technology solutions while building long-term relationships with our customers.

Job Summary:

Electra Link is seeking an experienced Low Voltage Estimator – Structured Cabling to join our Austin team. This position is responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates for structured cabling, voice/data, telecommunications, and low-voltage projects.

The Estimator will review construction documents and project specifications, determine material and labor requirements, develop bills of materials, obtain competitive vendor pricing, and prepare bid proposals.

This position works closely with Sales, Project Management, Purchasing, Service, manufacturers, and distributors throughout the estimating and project handoff process.

The ideal candidate has hands-on knowledge of structured cabling or low-voltage systems combined with estimating, design, project coordination, or related preconstruction experience. We are open to considering experienced industry professionals who have the technical knowledge and aptitude to continue developing their estimating skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate and competitive estimates for structured cabling, voice/data, telecommunications, and low-voltage projects.
• Review blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, addenda, and customer requirements to determine project scope.
• Perform material and labor takeoffs and develop detailed bills of materials.
• Determine labor requirements, equipment needs, installation methods, and other project costs.
• Assist with low-voltage system layouts, rack elevations, pathways, and related system design requirements.
• Assist in designing and specifying Building Automated Systems when included within project scope.
• Identify potential scope gaps, exclusions, risks, and special project requirements before bid submission.
• Obtain competitive material and equipment pricing from manufacturers and distributors.
• Coordinate project registrations and applicable manufacturer or distributor pricing protections.
• Collaborate with Sales during customer meetings, site walks, and presentations to understand project requirements and develop appropriate solutions.
• Work closely with Project Management, Purchasing, Service, and Operations to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements.
• Prepare complete and organized bid proposals and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate and current bid and project information in Sales Now.
• Participate in final bid reviews before proposal submission.
• Attend kickoff meetings for awarded projects and communicate bid scope, assumptions, exclusions, labor estimates, material requirements, and other relevant information to the Operations team.
• Prepare and provide project documentation needed for a successful handoff from estimating to operations.
• Provide clarification and after-sales support related to the original estimate and project scope when needed.
• Support the development of managed service programs and extended warranty offerings when applicable.
• Maintain clear communication with Project Managers, leadership, Sales, and other internal teams regarding bid status, deadlines, changes, and potential challenges.
• Comply with Electra Link policies and applicable customer health and safety requirements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of structured cabling, voice/data, telecommunications, or low-voltage systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Understanding of materials, labor, installation methods, and terminology used in structured cabling and low-voltage construction.
• Ability to perform accurate material and labor takeoffs.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively use company estimating, CRM, and project-management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Sales, Project Management, Purchasing, Operations, manufacturers, distributors, and customers.
• Must be able to reliably work from the Dallas, TX area and attend customer or project meetings as required.

Education & Experience:

• Three or more years of experience in structured cabling, voice/data, telecommunications, low-voltage construction, estimating, design, project coordination, or a closely related field preferred.
• Direct estimating experience in the structured cabling or low-voltage industry strongly preferred.
• Candidates with significant field, technical, design, or project experience and demonstrated knowledge of estimating fundamentals may also be considered.
• Experience preparing material takeoffs, labor estimates, bills of materials, and bid proposals preferred.
• RCDD certification preferred but not required.
• Relevant industry certifications or manufacturer training are a plus.

What Success Looks Like:

A successful Low Voltage Estimator produces accurate, competitive, and complete bids while meeting proposal deadlines and providing Operations with a clear understanding of what was sold.

Success in this role requires attention to detail, strong technical knowledge, effective communication, and the ability to identify project requirements and potential risks before a project is awarded.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to perform standard office functions and review electronic and printed construction documents.
• Occasional travel and jobsite visits may be required for site walks, project assessments, customer meetings, or other business needs.

Benefits:

Electra Link offers a competitive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid company holidays
• Company-sponsored training and professional development opportunities
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Additional company-sponsored employee benefits and programs

Why Electra Link?

For more than 40 years, Electra Link has built its reputation by delivering quality technology solutions and developing strong relationships with our customers and employees.

As an employee-owned company, our employees have an opportunity to contribute to and share in Electra Link's long-term success. We offer an environment where experienced industry professionals can continue developing their technical expertise and build a long-term career.

If you have structured cabling or low-voltage experience, understand what it takes to successfully build a project, and are ready to apply that knowledge to estimating and preconstruction, we encourage you to apply.

Electra Link, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.