Electrical Estimator Jobs for OPT Students
Electrical Estimator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, construction management, or a related field. Employers in this role typically require a degree match, which satisfies the OPT work authorization requirement. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific CIP code, so confirm with your DSO early.
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Power your future with Qualus in our Commercial and Industrial department as an Electrical Estimator, EPC Projects. The Electrical Estimator's primary role is to generate accurate and timely cost estimates and proposals. The successful candidate will possess a technical aptitude and attention to detail, and will work directly with members of sales, engineering, and operations to provide technical and commercial pre-order sales support including identifying and qualifying leads, job costing/estimating, and proposal generation.
Responsibilities:
- Support sales through the development, execution, and administration of quotes and proposals, with a focus on EPC opportunities.
- Utilize the CRM tool as necessary to manage client and quote-related activity, including assisting with required forecasting activity, and helping to keep CRM data accurate and up-to-date concerning leads, targets, accounts, contacts, and opportunities for clients and prospective clients.
- Review project specifications and requirements and work with members of sales, engineering, and operations to identify the best solution for the client.
- Perform function of quote/bid clarification including interpretation of technical specifications and electrical drawings as they relate to the product/offer being provided.
- Solicit quotes from vendors, subcontractors, and internal resources as needed to compile accurate and competitive cost estimates.
- Develop technical proposals including detailed work scopes, clarifications, exceptions, schedules, and other submittals as needed.
- Keep internal SharePoint project folders updated with pertinent bid documents, estimates, proposals, vendor quotes, and any other relevant information that internal stakeholders need to access and review.
- Develop and maintain a knowledge base library of reference materials for use in preparing proposals, presentations, and technical collateral.
- Participate in quote meetings and lead proposal review and approval calls.
- Assist when needed on pre-bid job walks to ascertain job details necessary for quote development and project execution.
- Assist with clarification/verification during the order hand-off process from sales to operations, including providing all pertinent proposal information necessary to execute the project on time and on budget.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2-5 years of EPC estimating experience. Experience with substation and electrical construction projects is preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical distribution project specifications and drawings.
- Ability to speak with poise and confidence, using correct English.
- Ability to properly construct written proposals and estimates.
- Ability to use Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Working knowledge of CRM preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and business acumen.
- Self-motivated with an innate ability to multitask, and an acute attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel for site visits on an as needed basis. Estimated 5-10%.
Benefits & Compensation:
Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.
The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.
Company Overview:
Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 1,800 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.
Position Overview:
Power your future with Qualus in our Commercial and Industrial department as an Electrical Estimator, EPC Projects. The Electrical Estimator's primary role is to generate accurate and timely cost estimates and proposals. The successful candidate will possess a technical aptitude and attention to detail, and will work directly with members of sales, engineering, and operations to provide technical and commercial pre-order sales support including identifying and qualifying leads, job costing/estimating, and proposal generation.
Responsibilities:
- Support sales through the development, execution, and administration of quotes and proposals, with a focus on EPC opportunities.
- Utilize the CRM tool as necessary to manage client and quote-related activity, including assisting with required forecasting activity, and helping to keep CRM data accurate and up-to-date concerning leads, targets, accounts, contacts, and opportunities for clients and prospective clients.
- Review project specifications and requirements and work with members of sales, engineering, and operations to identify the best solution for the client.
- Perform function of quote/bid clarification including interpretation of technical specifications and electrical drawings as they relate to the product/offer being provided.
- Solicit quotes from vendors, subcontractors, and internal resources as needed to compile accurate and competitive cost estimates.
- Develop technical proposals including detailed work scopes, clarifications, exceptions, schedules, and other submittals as needed.
- Keep internal SharePoint project folders updated with pertinent bid documents, estimates, proposals, vendor quotes, and any other relevant information that internal stakeholders need to access and review.
- Develop and maintain a knowledge base library of reference materials for use in preparing proposals, presentations, and technical collateral.
- Participate in quote meetings and lead proposal review and approval calls.
- Assist when needed on pre-bid job walks to ascertain job details necessary for quote development and project execution.
- Assist with clarification/verification during the order hand-off process from sales to operations, including providing all pertinent proposal information necessary to execute the project on time and on budget.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2-5 years of EPC estimating experience. Experience with substation and electrical construction projects is preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical distribution project specifications and drawings.
- Ability to speak with poise and confidence, using correct English.
- Ability to properly construct written proposals and estimates.
- Ability to use Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Working knowledge of CRM preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and business acumen.
- Self-motivated with an innate ability to multitask, and an acute attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel for site visits on an as needed basis. Estimated 5-10%.
Benefits & Compensation:
Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.
The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.
Company Overview:
Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 1,800 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Electrical Estimator
Confirm your degree qualifies
Electrical Estimator roles typically require a degree in electrical engineering or construction management. Before applying, verify your degree field aligns with the job description to satisfy OPT's requirement that your work be directly related to your major.
Check your STEM OPT eligibility early
Engineering and construction management degrees often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total. Ask your DSO to confirm your CIP code qualifies before accepting an offer, so employers know your full authorization timeline.
Target employers with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before the offer stage. Electrical contractors, engineering firms, and large construction companies are commonly enrolled, making them reliable targets for STEM extension eligibility.
Highlight estimating software proficiency
Employers prioritize candidates who know tools like Bluebeam, RSMeans, or Accubid. Listing these prominently on your resume signals you can contribute immediately, which makes sponsoring your OPT or a future visa feel like a lower-risk decision for hiring managers.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline
Disclose your OPT end date proactively, especially if you are within six months of expiration. Employers in construction and engineering are accustomed to planning around project timelines, so framing your authorization window clearly helps them assess fit without surprises.
Focus on firms with active H-1B sponsorship history
Larger electrical contractors and engineering consultancies are more likely to have sponsored H-1B visas before. Targeting companies with that history signals they understand the process, reducing friction when your OPT period ends and long-term sponsorship becomes the conversation.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Electrical Estimator job qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, if your degree is in electrical engineering, construction management, or a closely related field. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major, and Electrical Estimator roles rely on technical knowledge from those programs. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you may not meet the work authorization requirement.
Can I get the STEM OPT extension as an Electrical Estimator?
Possibly. The STEM extension depends on your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Electrical engineering and some construction management programs qualify. Your DSO can confirm your CIP code eligibility. Your employer also needs to be enrolled in E-Verify, which is common among large electrical contractors and engineering firms.
Where can I find Electrical Estimator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for roles where employers are open to sponsoring or working with international candidates. Searching there saves time compared to general job boards where OPT compatibility is rarely disclosed upfront.
Do Electrical Estimator employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
It varies by employer size and project volume. Large electrical contractors, engineering consultancies, and construction firms with national operations are more likely to have sponsored H-1B petitions before. Smaller regional contractors may be unfamiliar with the process. Targeting employers with prior H-1B history is the most reliable strategy for long-term work authorization.
What should I include in my resume to stand out as an OPT student applying for Electrical Estimator roles?
Highlight your OPT authorization dates and STEM eligibility clearly so employers can assess your timeline. List estimating software you know, such as Bluebeam or RSMeans, along with any project experience involving takeoffs, bid preparation, or cost analysis. A degree in electrical engineering or construction management should appear prominently, as it directly supports your OPT work authorization eligibility.
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