Estimator

Job Description

Company Description

Our client is a Network Solutions Company based in Houston, Texas. The company builds reliable networks that connect communities, businesses, and technology. With industry-leading expertise and a commitment to quality, they deliver seamless communication solutions you can trust. They provide a full range of fiber optic and copper cabling solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses and government agencies. With services spanning construction, maintenance, and emergency restoration, they ensure robust, scalable, and high-performance network infrastructure.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for underground and aerial telecommunications construction, structured cabling, fiber optic installations, security systems (alarms, CCTV, and access control), and work within ISP (Inside Plant) and OPS (Outside Plant) environments, including industrial plant atmospheres. This role requires analyzing project specifications, assessing labor and material costs, and collaborating with project managers and engineers to develop competitive and profitable bid proposals.

Key Responsibilities:

Estimating & Proposal Development

§ Review project plans, specifications, and requirements for ISP and OPS infrastructure, underground and aerial telecommunications, fiber optics, security systems, and structured cabling.

§ Prepare detailed cost estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and overhead costs.

§ Develop and submit competitive bid proposals within established deadlines.

§ Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend value engineering solutions.

§ Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and client requirements.

Project Assessment & Coordination

§ Conduct site visits to assess project conditions, feasibility, and constraints, including industrial plant environments with high safety and operational considerations.

§ Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to validate estimates and assess project risks.

§ Maintain updated cost databases, pricing structures, and supplier/subcontractor relationships.

§ Work with vendors to obtain competitive pricing for materials and installation services.

Aerial & Underground Construction

§ Estimate costs for aerial fiber installation, pole attachments, make-ready work, strand and fiber placement, and permitting processes.

§ Assess underground construction needs, including bore and trenching operations, conduit installation, vaults, and handholes.

§ Ensure compliance with NESC, NEC, BICSI, TIA/EIA, and OSHA regulations.

Inside Plant (ISP) & Outside Plant (OSP) Telecommunications

§ Provide estimates for inside plant (ISP) infrastructure, including data centers, telecommunications rooms, network closets, and structured cabling in commercial and industrial facilities.

§ Estimate costs for outside plant (OSP) construction, including underground and aerial fiber deployments, distribution networks, and last-mile installations.

§ Work within industrial plant atmospheres, ensuring compliance with high-security, hazardous, or mission-critical facility standards.

Security & Alarm Systems

§ Estimate costs for security systems, including intrusion detection, alarm monitoring, access control, and CCTV installations in commercial, industrial, and plant environments.

§ Ensure compliance with industry standards such as NFPA, UL, and local security codes.

§ Coordinate with security vendors to source the best equipment and installation pricing.

Documentation & Reporting

§ Maintain organized records of estimates, bid proposals, and project cost breakdowns.

§ Provide detailed hand-off reports to project managers for awarded projects.

§ Track bid results, follow up on pending proposals, and analyze trends for continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements:

§ Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience in estimating for ISP and OSP telecommunications, industrial plant projects, structured cabling, fiber optics, and security/alarm systems.

§ Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Telecommunications, Security Systems, or a related field preferred (or equivalent work experience).

§ Technical Knowledge:

o Understanding of ISP environments, including structured cabling for data centers, network rooms, and high-security facilities.

o Knowledge of OSP construction methods, including aerial fiber installation, make-ready work, pole attachments, underground trenching, and boring.

o Experience with fiber optic splicing, structured cabling, and security system integration.

o Familiarity with industry standards such as NEC, BICSI, TIA/EIA, NESC, NFPA, and OSHA regulations.

o Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Accubid, PlanSwift) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Skills & Abilities:

§ Strong analytical and mathematical skills for accurate cost projections.

§ Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

§ Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

§ Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

§ Experience working in hazardous or high-security industrial environments is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

§ Experience with GIS mapping and CAD software.

§ Prior field experience in aerial and underground telecommunications construction.

§ Knowledge of permitting processes for both aerial and underground construction.

§ Certifications in BICSI, OSHA 30, or NICET Security Systems are highly desirable.

What We Offer:

§ Competitive salary consistent with industry metrics

§ Full benefits, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and company profit-sharing opportunities.

· A full background check, including a drug test, will be required for the selected candidate.