BESS Estimator

Job Summary

The BESS Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. This role develops detailed civil, electrical, and balance-of-plant estimates using Trimble B2W (Heavy Bid) and collaborates with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to support bid strategy, pricing, and project execution planning.

Job Responsibilities:

Estimating & Cost Development

• Prepare detailed conceptual, budgetary, and definitive cost estimates for BESS projects.
• Develop quantity takeoffs and pricing for civil, structural, electrical, and balance-of-plant scopes.
• Build and maintain estimates using Trimble B2W (Heavy Bid).
• Apply historical cost data, productivity factors, and crew compositions.
• Develop indirect costs including general conditions, mobilization, temporary facilities, and commissioning support.

Technical & Scope Review

• Review RFPs, IFC / IFB / Initial Design drawings, SOW’s, specifications, contracts and other documents to determine full project scope.
• Identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and commercial risks.
• Support value engineering and alternative means and methods.

Vendor & Subcontractor Pricing

• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Develop pricing for battery containers, inverters, transformers, cabling, foundations, civil work, installation labor and other work as required for project execution.
• Coordinate with OEMs and major equipment vendors.

Cost Risk & Contingency

• Develop project contingency based on risk profiles.
• Identify cost drivers, escalation risks, and supply chain impacts.
• Support sensitivity analyses and pricing scenarios.

Preconstruction & Handover

• Participate in bid reviews, estimating closeouts, and turnover meetings.
• Support schedule development and logistics planning.
• Prepare estimate narratives, clarifications, and assumptions.
• Facilitate bid turnover to the ops team upon award.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of estimating experience in utility-scale renewable energy, with direct exposure to BESS projects.
• Direct experience estimating BESS.
• Proficiency with Trimble B2W (Heavy Bid) required.
• Strong knowledge of civil and electrical construction cost components.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with takeoff software.
• Experience with EPC or design-build delivery models.
• Familiarity with lithium-ion battery systems and major BESS OEMs.
• Knowledge of procurement, logistics, and supply chain cost modeling.
• Estimating certifications (ASPE, AACE) a plus.
• PMI / PMP certifications a plus

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

This position is on site, often in remote or rural areas. Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements in all work environments.

Specific requirements include:

• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind
• Ability to lift, carry, or move up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, crouching, and climbing during onsite inspections
• Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment
• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by business needs or project deadlines
• Travel up to 50%

Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening prior to hiring. This role is considered safety-sensitive and may be subject to ongoing drug and testing in compliance with company policy and regulatory requirements.