Freelance Electrical Estimation Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

MEL Electric, Inc. is seeking an experienced Commercial Electrical Estimator to join our growing team in Napa, California.

We are looking for a self-motivated estimator who can independently manage the estimating process from opportunity identification through proposal submission while building lasting customer relationships and helping grow our business. This individual should be confident estimating projects ranging from small service work to commercial and industrial electrical projects up to $4 million.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting Salary: $105,000+ per year (DOE)

• Company vehicle

• Fuel card

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Stable, long-term employment with a growing company

• Opportunity for advancement and professional growth

About MEL Electric

MEL Electric is a family-owned and operated electrical contractor located in Napa, California. We

perform residential, commercial, industrial, service, and specialty electrical work throughout Northern California. Our culture is relaxed, family-oriented, and team focused. We value honesty, accountability, professionalism, and employees who take ownership of their work.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will manage estimating responsibilities with minimal supervision while working closely with company management to secure profitable work and maintain strong customer relationships. We're looking for someone who doesn't simply respond to invitations to bid, but actively seeks opportunities, builds relationships, and contributes to the company's long-term success.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of successful electrical estimating experience
• Proven experience estimating commercial electrical construction projects
• Experience using McCormick Estimating Software and/or AccuBid
• Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and estimating software
• Thorough understanding of union labor agreements, multiple IBEW wage scales, and California prevailing wage requirements
• Experience estimating California public works projects including DIR, apprenticeship, and labor compliance
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents
• Experience estimating commercial, industrial, and residential projects
• Comfortable estimating projects from small service work through approximately $4 million
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, labor production, materials, equipment, scheduling, and logistics
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple bids and meet deadlines
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

Primary Responsibilities

• Review bid opportunities and project strategy with management
• Attend job walks, pre-bid meetings, and site visits
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs
• Solicit and evaluate vendor/subcontractor quotations
• Prepare accurate labor, material, and equipment estimates
• Utilize appropriate union wage agreements and prevailing wage determinations
• Review public works requirements including DIR registration, apprenticeship, and labor compliance
• Prepare complete, organized, and competitive bids
• Identify project risks, exclusions, clarifications, and scope gaps
• Prepare value engineering and alternate pricing
• Develop relationships with contractors, owners, architects, engineers, vendors, and suppliers
• Actively pursue new bidding opportunities
• Participate in project turnover meetings
• Assist with change order pricing
• Maintain organized estimating files and historical pricing
• Ideal Candidate
• Self-motivated with minimal supervision
• Comfortable making decisions and taking ownership
• Excellent customer relationship skills
• Manages multiple deadlines
• Produces accurate, competitive estimates
• Proactively finds new work opportunities
• Professional communicator
• Thinks like a business owner
• Wants to grow with a successful family-owned company

What We're Looking For

This position is more than preparing estimates. We are looking for someone who can become a trusted member of our leadership team, help grow the business, build long-term customer relationships, and consistently deliver high-quality, profitable estimates. The ideal candidate is confident, accountable, organized, and takes pride in winning the right work while representing MEL Electric professionally.

**This job is with an independent Generac dealer and not for employment with Generac Power Systems, Inc.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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