Solar Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Job Description – Renewable Energy Estimator 

LiveWire Construction is seeking an
Estimator to support our growing Renewable Energy Division. This role is responsible for reviewing project documents, performing takeoffs, developing cost estimates, and helping prepare competitive bids for commercial, community solar, rooftop, and ground-mount solar projects. 

 Direct solar estimating experience is valuable, but we will also consider candidates with solar installation experience, solar preconstruction, solar project engineering, solar project coordination, solar field supervision, solar design, solar equipment procurement, solar apprenticeship program graduates, or other related experience who are willing to learn solar estimating. 

Ideal Candidate Profile: 

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, comfortable working with solar project drawings and estimating software, and able to communicate clearly with project managers, field teams, vendors, and subcontractors. We value practical construction knowledge, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to learn our estimating process. 

Compensation: 

• $85K- $110K salary range. Actual compensation will depend on level of experience 
• Sign-on bonus may be available depending on experience
  
•  Potential for individual performance bonus
  
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  
• 401(k) with employer match
  
• Paid time off
  
• Training and growth opportunities in solar estimating and preconstruction
  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Review electrical drawings, specifications, site plans, one-lines, equipment schedules, and other project documents to understand project scope.
  
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor scope using drawings, estimating software, spreadsheets, or other available tools.
  
• Assist in preparing detailed estimates, bid summaries, scopes of work, and project bills of material.
  
• Coordinate with preconstruction, project management, field operations, procurement, accounting, vendors, and subcontractors to clarify scope and pricing assumptions.
  
• Request and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes for major equipment, materials, rental equipment, and specialty scopes.
• 
  Coordinate RFP for subcontracted scopes, along with developing the scope, descope the estimates to ensure accuracy and completeness, along with identifying any gaps that may exist. 
• Help identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, alternates, value-engineering options, and opportunities to improve project profitability. 
•  Support the preparation and submission of competitive project bids in relation to internal deadlines and bid requirements. 
• Maintain estimating files, takeoff records, quote logs, and cost data so project information is organized and easy to review.
  
• Update labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost information as market conditions change.
  
• Participate in bid review meetings, project handoff meetings, and lessons-learned discussions.

Skills and Experience: 

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, including electrical plans, one-line diagrams, site plans, layout drawings, equipment details, and specifications.
  
• General understanding of electrical construction, solar PV systems, conduit, wire, feeders, combiner boxes, inverters, switchgear, transformers, grounding, and related equipment.
  
• Familiarity with NEC requirements, electrical installation practices, wiring methods, conductor sizing, conduit sizing, derating, grounding, labeling, and electrical safety standards is helpful.
  
• Experience with estimating software such as ConEst, Planswift, Accubid, McCormick, Bluebeam, Excel, or similar tools is helpful but not required for every candidate. 
• Ability to build or adjust estimating assemblies, spreadsheet pricing tools, or unit-cost assumptions is a plus.
  
• Strong math, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to communicate clearly, ask questions, document assumptions, and meet bid deadlines.
  
• High attention to detail with a practical understanding that estimates must be accurate, organized, and buildable. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Experience in solar, electrical construction, estimating, project engineering, preconstruction, procurement, field supervision, drafting/design, or related construction role. 
• Ability to work with drawings, specifications, spreadsheets, and project documents.
  
• Comfortable learning estimating software, pricing databases, and internal bid procedures.
  
• Strong work ethic, reliability, communication skills, and willingness to learn.
  

Preferred, But Not Required:

• 1–3+ years of solar or electrical estimating experience.
  
• Hands-on electrical construction or solar field experience.
  
• 
  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent field or estimating experience will also be considered. 
• Experience with ConEst or other electronic estimating software.
  
• Experience estimating commercial solar, community solar, rooftop solar, ground-mount solar, BESS, or commercial electrical projects.
  

Equal Opportunity Statement:

LiveWire Construction LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.