Estimator

Title: Estimator
Department: Operation 1
Location: Ankeny, IA

Supervisor: Estimation Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent, full time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

ESTIMATOR

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Estimator’s primary focus will be providing firm pricing by leveling, reviewing, and analyzing subcontractor and material proposals, performing take-offs, scope reviews, risk identification, engineering optimization, and increasing margins through identifying cost efficiencies.

This position reports to the Estimation Manager in charge of overseeing all estimating activities and approvals related to the EPC business or other personnel that the CEO of the company may designate.   It is a hybrid position, working out of your home office and traveling to project sites. Working hours are Monday through Friday, ranging from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. As necessary, you may be required to work overtime and on weekends. Travel, up to 25% of the time, is expected.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage estimating portion of renewable energy projects and perform preliminary and final estimating of all installations.
• Generate and manage project budgets through project award.
• Work with project managers and preconstruction team to obtain detailed project specifications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with contractors and subcontractors.
• Perform cost estimating and forecasting.
• Develop and manage a cost model.
• Use computer estimating software to create and compile estimates.
• Prepare technical reports regarding bids and estimates.
• Record and track progress.
• Submit bids and estimates.
• Participate in bid review meetings.
• Produce detailed reports.
• Support in the preparation of bid packages,
• Keep up to date on local building codes.
• Participate in bid management.
• Manage subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Train new employees.
• Create and maintain project directives.
• Knowledge of electrical calculations, including wire loss, wire sizing, equipment rating, over-current protection, etc.
• All other duties as assigned by VP of Construction, Director of Preconstruction, Estimation Manager, or other senior management personnel; and
• Ability to travel when required.
• Travel up to 25% as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management. 
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant certificate from college or technical school. No degree will be considered if relevant experience exceeds 4 years. 
• 3+ years relevant experience (Construction, energy industry preferred).
• Background in commercial construction, electrical equipment supply, and/or power plant engineering.
• Strong understanding of Solar and Battery storage installation and Best Practices. 
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 25%
• Strong oral and written communication skills, computer fluency, agile and effective negotiator with clear oral and written explanations required;
• Work experience in construction-related estimation (solar PV and BESS projects in particular) strongly preferred
• Self-motivated, superior organization skills and attention to detail
• Assertive, ability to cope with dynamic surroundings;
• The ability to prioritize multiple and simultaneous projects, issues, and activities; and
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office Suite, Smartsheet, and Procore.
   

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 25% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at [email protected].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

I hereby, accept and acknowledge this job description as my own and am committing to these responsibilities and required qualifications.

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