Renovo Search · 1 month ago
Project Estimator
San Francisco Bay Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$125K/yr - $160K/yr
5+ years expRenovo Search is focused on evaluating and forecasting costs for large-scale solar and energy storage developments. The Estimator will prepare comprehensive cost models, analyze contractor proposals, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate and competitive cost estimates throughout the project lifecycle.
Information Technology & Services
Hiring Manager
Oliver Thomas Hallows
Responsibilities
Develop detailed cost estimates for large solar and battery storage projects, covering site grading, foundations, mounting systems, cabling, substations, and grid interconnections
Review and compare subcontractor and supplier bids to validate cost competitiveness
Build and maintain cost databases, unit price libraries, and productivity benchmarks tailored to solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) work
Deliver conceptual, budgetary, and detailed cost estimates to support all project stages
Prepare contingency assessments and sensitivity analyses for cost risk management
Maintain accurate records of historical cost data and project metrics
Analyze market trends in equipment, materials, and labor to inform pricing strategies
Track regional cost variations and prevailing wage requirements, including compliance with relevant labor and apprenticeship standards
Validate estimates through benchmarking against recognized industry and public-sector data sources
Work with engineering to assess design alternatives and their cost impacts
Support procurement with bid evaluation and vendor negotiations
Provide cost input for project development activities such as site selection, permitting, and grid interconnection
Communicate findings and present cost summaries, value engineering options, and risk evaluations to management
Apply estimating software and internal modeling tools for cost forecasting
Develop standardized templates, assumptions, and estimating protocols to ensure internal consistency
Recommend improvements to estimation methodologies and project cost controls
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, or EPC construction projects
Strong understanding of solar PV and battery storage technologies, including major system components and installation methods
Familiarity with regional labor markets, wage compliance, and productivity benchmarking
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating tools; familiarity with scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project is advantageous
Excellent analytical and communication skills with high attention to accuracy and detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a development-focused environment
Working knowledge of construction contract structures (lump sum, unit price, EPC)
Demonstrated ability to identify cost-saving measures and mitigate risk through value engineering
Preferred
Regular presence in the company's Bay Area office is preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits including health coverage
Retirement plan (401k match up to 5%) with employer contribution
Paid time off
Flexible work options with a collaborative, mission-driven culture
Opportunity to contribute to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable development
Company
Renovo Search
Renovo Search is a specialist talent search firm dedicated to the renewable energy industry in the USA.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase