Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field., Minimum of 8 years’ estimating experience in industrial automation or mission-critical projects., Proven success as lead estimator on at least five projects ≥40 MW., Strong knowledge of automation systems, software tools, and industry standards..
Key responsibilities:
Lead the full proposal lifecycle, including reviewing RFPs and analyzing scope.
Develop detailed cost models and craft competitive proposals.
Manage estimating tools, vendor relationships, and KPI reporting.
Mentor junior estimators and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
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DLB Associates are MEP & Technology consulting engineers that combine imagination, technical expertise, agility, and practicality to meet our clients where they need to be met. Our philosophy encompasses a unique approach which helps our clients:
● visualize options using powerful modeling & graphical techniques +
● design projects that are focused on what’s best for our clients and their values +
● integrate people, technology and the built environment +
● commission projects using a practical, adaptive and communication centric approach
DLB sees the bigger picture of each engineering challenge and employs an adaptive approach to problem solving. We recognize that every client is unique; therefore, our approach is personalized and tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. DLB’s core principles enable us to consistently deliver results that exceed expectations.
Recognizable qualities of THE DLB APPROACH:
● Agility
● Tailored Communication
● Interactive & Iterative Design Process
● Hands on & Practical Approach
● Reader Friendly Deliverables
● Emphasis on Visualization & Graphics
● Higher Output Per Hour
● Timely & Dependable
For more detail on Our Approach, please visit our website, http://www.dlbassociates.com/.
DLB is a firm unlike any other, providing solutions unlike any other.
Are you a seasoned BAS expert ready to lead highimpact automation estimating efforts for cuttingedge data center projects? As a Senior Automation Estimator, you’ll shape the foundation of hyperscale innovation by crafting precise, highvalue proposals that drive speed and reliability. Join a forwardthinking team where your deep technical knowledge and strategic mindset directly influence the future of digital infrastructure.
Signing Bonus and New Hire Milestone Bonus up to $10k
Position Title: Senior Automation Estimator – Critical Infrastructure
Position Location: Remote work virtually from anywhere in the United States
Salary
We recognize salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges. In many instances we outcompete those ranges for wellqualified candidates.
Job Summary
The Senior Controls Estimator – Critical Infrastructure is the owner of automation estimating discipline for mission critical hyperscale and collocation data‑center projects from 10 MW to 200 MW and budgets of $10M – $150 M+ per campus. You will lead the full proposal life‑cycle— reviewing RFPs, analyzing scope, building detailed cost models, and crafting winning strategies that balance speed‑to‑market with Tier IIIIV reliability.
You will steward and continuously improve our estimating software stack and standard proposal templates while interfacing daily with engineering, procurement, construction, PMO, and business‑development teams to align scope, risk, and commercial strategy.
You will cultivate preferred pricing with vendors, hardware software channel partners and key subcontractors, mentor and train junior estimators, enforce data‑quality standards, and publish KPI reports for leadership teams.
This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.
Essential Functions
Estimating Leadership
Dissect RFPs, drawings, and specifications for BAS, PLC, DDC, SCADA, EPMS, DCIM, and OT network scope
Produce labor & material take‑offs, apply regional labor indices, and build bottoms‑up cost models
Drive value‑engineering options that maintain Uptime Tier targets while reducing capexOPEX.
Process and Tool Ownership
Implement new estimating tool stack supporting greater speed and accuracy for larger complex projects
Implement new Bid management tools for qualifying trade partners and soliciting sub pricing
Build and Manage budgeting database supporting quick evaluations, improving speed of response to RFPs.
Develop Power BI dashboards or similar for margin and accuracy tracking
Pilot AI‑assisted workflows and tools to automate and streamline estimating phase efforts
Continuously evaluate and improve preconstruction processes and tools to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency
Vendor and Subcontractor Management
Issue RFQs, analyze bids, and negotiate T&Cs for control panel shops, material vendors and subcontractors
Maintain OEM and vendor pricing lists and agreements and negotiate pricing
Client Engagement
Lead estimate review calls with hyperscale owner teams; defend cost drivers, productivity factors, and contingency rationale
Support Business Development teams by building relationships with clients and contractor Preconstruction teams, and converting conceptual budgets into executable contracts through budgeting exercises and formal RFP iterations.
Mentoring and Reporting
Coach junior estimators and interns; author estimating SOPs and playbooks
Strong analytical and problemsolving skills with the ability to assess complex project requirements and develop accurate estimates
Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, Sharepoint), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and persuasively
Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all aspects of the estimating process
Strong negotiation skills, particularly in dealing with vendors and subcontractors
Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to companywide innovation
Ability to analyze market trends and apply cost data effectively
Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, partners, and internal teams
Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, selfmotivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace
Ability to identify and analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and nontechnical information)
Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with little supervision
Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Physical Demands
The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
Frequently descending ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
Travel Requirements
Up to 10%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
Education Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, business, or related discipline
PLUS
Minimum of 8 years’ estimating experience for systems integrator in industrial automation or mission critical industry
Demonstrated Success: Lead estimator on at least five mission‑critical projects ≥40 MW awarded to your company
Benefits
Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPOstyle plans and a HDHP w HSA option)
Health reimbursement account (HRA), flex spending accounts (FSA)
Dental and vision plans
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
401k with company match and selfdirected brokerage account option
PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
Short and longterm disability, AD&D coverage
Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
Paid parental leave after one year of employment
We are an EEOAffirmative Action Employer and participates in the EVerify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.
Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our awardwinning team!
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. This includes any resumes or candidate profiles submitted without a signed agreement in place and without a specific request for assistance with a particular role. Any such submissions—including those sent directly to our team members—will be considered property of our company, and we reserve the right to hire the candidate without any obligation for payment or fees.
Required profile
Experience
Level of experience:Senior (5-10 years)
Industry :
Spoken language(s):
English
Check out the description to know which languages are mandatory.