About the role
Commercial Electrical Estimator
Location: Sanford, Florida Universal Electrical Service, Inc.
About Universal
Founded in 1982, Universal Electrical Service, Inc. (UES) is an established electrical contractor serving customers across 20 states. We specialize in commercial electrical construction, power distribution, electrical installations, and project execution.
At UES, we take pride in delivering quality electrical solutions, building lasting customer relationships, and developing our employees through continued training and professional growth.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Electrical Estimator to join our Field Operations team in Sanford, FL.
Hands-on commercial electrical field experience is required. The ideal candidate has previously worked in the field as an electrician, apprentice, journeyman, or in another hands-on electrical construction role and has transitioned into or is ready to transition into estimating.
We want someone who understands electrical work from the field perspective: how installations are performed, how labor hours are determined, what materials and equipment are required, and what challenges crews encounter on actual jobsites.
The right candidate will combine practical electrical field knowledge with strong estimating, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Position Overview
The Commercial Electrical Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial electrical construction projects, including new construction, renovations, and tenant fit-outs.
This position requires the ability to interpret construction documents, perform detailed material and labor takeoffs, obtain vendor pricing, evaluate project scope, and prepare comprehensive bid proposals.
The successful candidate will use their hands-on electrical experience to develop realistic labor projections, identify potential installation challenges, recognize scope gaps, and prepare estimates that support project execution and company profitability.
Key Responsibilities
* Review and interpret commercial electrical construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements.
* Perform detailed electrical material and labor takeoffs.
* Prepare accurate estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project-related costs.
* Develop realistic labor-hour estimates based on field experience, project scope, installation methods, and jobsite conditions.
* Apply practical electrical construction knowledge when evaluating installation requirements and labor productivity.
* Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
* Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, exclusions, and potential project risks.
* Coordinate with Project Managers, Construction Managers, field leadership, vendors, and internal departments during the estimating process.
* Prepare bid summaries, proposals, and supporting documentation.
* Evaluate pricing, labor productivity, material costs, and project requirements to develop competitive bids.
* Meet assigned bid deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
* Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project turnover meetings as needed.
* Assist with post-bid reviews and estimating handoffs to the Project Management team.
* Maintain organized estimating records and bid documentation.
Required Qualifications & Experience
* Previous hands-on experience working in the electrical field is required.
* Background as a commercial electrician, electrical apprentice, journeyman electrician, or other hands-on electrical construction professional.
* Practical understanding of commercial electrical installations and construction methods.
* Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, blueprints, specifications, and construction documents.
* Understanding of electrical materials, equipment, conduit and wiring methods, lighting, power distribution, and electrical systems.
* Ability to perform electrical material takeoffs and develop labor-hour calculations.
* Understanding of how field conditions, installation methods, manpower, and productivity affect project costs.
* Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
* Previous experience in commercial electrical estimating.
* Experience using electrical estimating software such as Accubid or similar platforms.
* Experience estimating commercial projects involving new construction, renovations, and tenant improvements.
* Experience transitioning from a field electrician or electrical supervisory position into estimating.
* Understanding of labor productivity, project costing, and commercial electrical construction pricing.
* Previous experience working with Project Managers and field operations teams.
* Familiarity with value engineering, bid leveling, and scope analysis.
What Success Looks Like
* Accurate and complete commercial electrical estimates.
* Realistic labor-hour projections based on actual field knowledge.
* Competitive bids that support company profitability.
* Thorough material and labor takeoffs.
* Identification of project risks, installation challenges, and scope discrepancies before bid submission.
* Consistent achievement of bid deadlines.
* Effective communication and coordination with internal teams and external partners.
* Organized documentation and smooth project turnover.
Benefits & Opportunities
At Universal Electrical Service, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We offer:
* Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
* Health, dental, and vision insurance.
* 401(k) with company match.
* Paid holidays and vacation.
* Ongoing training and professional development.
* Opportunities for career advancement.
* A supportive team environment.
Join Universal Electrical Service
If you have hands-on commercial electrical experience and are ready to apply your field knowledge to estimating, we want to hear from you.
This is an opportunity to bring your electrical construction experience off the jobsite and into a role where your practical knowledge directly contributes to successful projects and company growth.
Join a company with more than four decades of electrical construction experience and an ongoing commitment to quality, teamwork, and employee development.