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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.

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