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Title: Solar Estimator
Department: Estimation/Preconstruction
Location: Houston, TX
Supervisor: Sr. Director of Estimations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

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

SOLAR ESTIMATOR

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, TX, 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

As a Solar Estimator in our utility-scale solar Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, you will play a crucial role in the successful execution of our projects. You will work closely with various departments to accurately estimate costs and resources required for utility-scale solar projects. Your expertise will guide decision-making processes, ensuring the profitability and efficiency of our projects. Your primary focus will be providing firm bid/submittal documents and cost estimates inclusive of the electrical/mechanical/civil 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 Sr. Director of Estimations, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Hybrid, and can be Remote with a reporting office located in Houston, TX office and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 20%.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cost Estimation

o         Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for utility-scale solar projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.

o         Analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documents to accurately determine project scope and requirements.

o         Utilize historical data, industry benchmarks, and market trends to ensure cost estimates are realistic and competitive.

o         Review and validate subcontractor bids and quotations.

o         Generate and manage project budgets through project award.

o         Develop and manage cost models.

o         Use computer estimating software to create and compile estimates.

o         Develop assemblies in estimating software.

o         Review and redline project design drawings.

o         Understand self-perform best practices and means and methods to build project cost estimates from scratch.

o         Understand job costing methodologies for use in the creation of WBS coded estimates.

• Technical Analysis/Due Diligence

o         Analyze and interpret project development documents such as geotechnical reports, pile load tests, hydrology reports, ALTA and topography documents, environmental, cultural, and biological reports.

o         Perform site evaluations and reports to inform project cost.

o         Identify local resources such as water sources, rock quarries, and local suppliers.

• Resource Planning

o         Collaborate with project managers to develop resource plans based on estimated costs and project schedules.

o         Identify and quantify resource requirements, including manpower, equipment, and materials.

o         Optimize resource allocation to maximize efficiency and minimize project risks.

o         Develop labor productivity and (installation unit costs where applicable) based on projected site conditions and historical data;

o         Identify local prevailing wage and labor requirements.

o         Identify local and/or state labor ratio requirements.

• Risk Management

o         Identify potential risks and uncertainties associated with project estimates.

o         Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address identified risks.

o         Conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of various factors on project costs and profitability.

• Bid Preparation

o         Prepare comprehensive bid proposals in response to client requests for proposals (RFPs) and invitations to bid (ITBs).

o         Ensure bid proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements and company objectives.

o         Collaborate with business development and sales teams to develop pricing strategies.

o         Participate in bid review meetings.

o         Create subcontractors scopes of work.

• Vendor and Supplier Management

o         Maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery of materials and services.

o         Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate pricing agreements to achieve cost savings and improve project profitability.

o         Engage with new local contractors for potential use on the project.

• Quality Assurance

o         Review project estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company standards and industry best practices.

o         Implement quality assurance processes to validate project estimates and identify areas for improvement.

• General Requirements

o         Have a strong understanding of self-perform constructability;

o         Knowledge of electrical calculations, including wire loss, wire sizing, equipment rating, over-current protection, etc.

o         The ability to generate PVSYST reports is a plus. 

o         Have a general understanding of current PV equipment (Tracker, inverter) and impacts of each system;

o         Keep up-to-date on local building codes;

o         Create and maintain project directives;

• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree and/or relevant certificate from college or technical school. No degree will be considered if relevant experience exceeds 3 years;
• 3+ years relevant experience in estimating and project management, with at least 3 years of experience in utility-scale solar projects. (Construction, energy industry preferred);
• Experience in similar industries directly related to electrical will be considered.
• 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 20%
• 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
• Proficiency in cost estimation software and tools, such as HCSS HeavyBid or similar applications.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft office Suite, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, and Procore experience is preferred.
• Self motivated, superior organization skills and attention to detail
• Assertive, ability to cope with dynamic surroundings;
• Proven leadership and management skills, with experience leading teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously; and

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 20% 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)
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

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 hr-usa@qcells.com.