Entry Level Forward Deployed Engineer Jobs in Iowa

 Convergint is looking for a full-time, enthusiastic, results-driven, and forward-thinking Solutions Estimator 1 to join our amazing culture. In this role, you will bridge the gap between entry-level estimators and more senior design and estimating professionals by preparing accurate cost estimates for greenfield projects, simple and complex scopes. This role focuses on programmatic customers, requiring technical expertise, project ownership, and a collaborative approach.

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Who You Are

You are a problem solver with a passion for delivering accurate, high-quality work. You thrive on tackling challenging, large-scale projects and are eager to grow your skills. You are collaborative, technically skilled, and ready to take ownership of estimating efforts for greenfield opportunities and programmatic customer solutions.

Who We Are

With 20 years of proven growth and exceptional performance, our mission is to be our customer’s best service provider. Our company is built upon a solid foundation of 10 Values and Beliefs that drive our unmatched culture, making us the #1 global, service-based systems integrator. We take pride in protecting the lives and assets of our customers and their communities with the solutions we provide.

What you’ll do with “Our Training and Your Experience”

• Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for medium to large-scale RFPs, greenfield projects, and complex scopes including global accounts and vertical markets such as data centers, healthcare, financial institutions, utilities, and education.
• Bridge the gap between entry-level estimating and senior design and estimating professionals, taking ownership of medium-to-large opportunities with programmatic customers.
• Analyze project requirements, specifications, and technical documents to understand scope, risks, and deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with sales, engineering, procurement, and project management teams to ensure estimates reflect accurate costs, resources, and timelines.
• Evaluate project scopes, interpret blueprints, analyze costs, and make decisions that significantly impact pricing and project feasibility.
• Participate in site walks, pre-bid meetings, and technical discussions to fully assess project needs and unique requirements.
• Source pricing from vendors, subcontractors, and partners for materials, labor, and services to meet project specifications.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, and value engineering opportunities to provide innovative solutions.
• Prepare professional and competitive proposals that include technical details, pricing, and justification for Convergint’s value proposition.
• Work with installation teams to ensure feasibility and accuracy of estimates.
• Apply industry knowledge of regulations and compliance requirements.
• Track project costs, potential risks, and margins to optimize pricing strategies.
• Stay updated on security technology, industry standards, and product pricing.
• Ensure estimates align with company pricing strategies and market competitiveness.
• Prepare and present accurate proposals to internal and external customers.
• Assist in managing the estimating process for programmatic and recurring customers to ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment with program objectives.
• Support Solutions Architects and other senior leaders on large, strategic, or specialized projects.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested or required.

What You’ll Need

• 2-3 years of experience in estimating, project management, or system design, within electronic physical security (access control, CCTV, intrusion).
• Experience with large-scale RFPs, greenfield opportunities, and programmatic customer projects.
• Strong understanding of vertical market requirements, such as healthcare, data centers, government, education, and financial/banking institutions.
• Ability to read and analyze construction documents, drawings, specifications, and technical scopes.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Excel, and project collaboration tools.
• Knowledge of materials, labor costs, and subcontractor coordination for physical security systems.
• Ability to identify risks, recommend value engineering solutions, and ensure profitability goals are met.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with internal teams, customers, and vendors.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering results.

Company Benefits

Convergint fosters a supportive, accessible, and inclusive environment in which all individuals are able to realize their maximum potential within the company. We offer a variety of programs and exceptional benefits:

• 10 Company Holidays and Paid Time Off starting at 13 days annually
• Fun & Laughter Day Off
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plan
• Life insurance & Disability Plan
• Wellness Program
• 401K Matching Plan
• Colleague Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive salary and compensation plan
• Vehicle reimbursement plan or company vehicle
• Corporate Social Responsibility Day
• Cell phone reimbursement (if applicable)
• Paid parental leave

Requirements:

Education: College degree, trade school, or equivalent experience.
Minimum Experience: 2-3 years in estimating, project management, or system design for physical security projects.

Convergint is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Visit our Convergint careers site to learn more about the company and the exciting opportunities available.