Solution Estimator – AV, Security & Structured Cabling

Location: Westchester County, NY
Position: Full-Time | Office-Based with approximately 10–25% local travel

Position Overview

An established technology systems integrator is seeking a Solution Estimator to support audiovisual (AV), physical security, telecommunications, and structured cabling projects.

The Solution Estimator will develop accurate and competitive project estimates by reviewing client requirements, drawings, specifications, RFPs/RFQs, and site conditions and translating them into detailed bills of material, labor estimates, and project pricing.

This position works closely with sales, design engineering, project management, vendors, subcontractors, consultants, and general contractors throughout the estimating and bidding process.

Key Responsibilities

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural, engineering, low-voltage, AV, telecommunications, and security drawings and specifications.
Estimate projects covering AV, access control, video surveillance/CCTV, intrusion detection, telecommunications, and structured cabling.
Develop detailed bills of material (BOMs) covering equipment, cabling, connectivity, mounting hardware, and associated materials.
Build labor estimates covering engineering, programming, installation, termination, testing, commissioning, and project management.
Prepare competitive proposals, budget estimates, and formal bid responses.
Manage RFP/RFQ processes, including compliance requirements, exceptions, pre-bid questions, addenda, bonding/insurance requirements, and final submissions.
Work with clients, consultants, general contractors, sales, engineering, and project management to clarify scope and resolve discrepancies before pricing.
Conduct or support pre-bid site walks and surveys to assess existing conditions, pathways, power, network infrastructure, and coordination requirements.
Assist engineering with estimating-related design activities such as riser diagrams, rack elevations, equipment selection, and system specifications.
Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations and maintain relationships with manufacturers and distributors.
Review plans and specifications for constructability, missing scope, value-engineering opportunities, and alternate products.
Track RFIs, addenda, scope changes, and pricing revisions throughout the bid process.
Maintain estimating templates, labor units, pricing libraries, and BOM templates using D-Tools System Integrator, Bluebeam, Excel, and related estimating tools.
Participate in project handoffs following award to ensure scope, assumptions, labor, and pricing are clearly understood.
Review bid results and provide feedback on pricing trends, competition, and market conditions.
Maintain organized estimating documentation, including takeoffs, vendor quotes, pricing history, assumptions, and supporting information.
Participate in client-facing technical or commercial presentations when required.
Stay current with AV, security, networking, and low-voltage technologies and manufacturer solutions.

Key Initiatives

The successful candidate will help:

Standardize estimating templates and labor pricing across AV, security, telecommunications, and structured cabling projects.
Improve estimating turnaround times while maintaining accuracy and protecting project margins.
Develop and maintain manufacturer and distributor pricing libraries.
Work with engineering to establish repeatable system designs and equipment packages.
Improve processes for takeoffs, estimating, bid submissions, and project handoffs.
Review wins and losses to identify pricing and market trends.

Qualifications

Approximately 3–5+ years of experience in estimating, design, engineering, project management, or related work within the AV, physical security, structured cabling, telecommunications, or low-voltage construction industry.
Strong understanding of one or more of the following:
- Commercial audiovisual systems
- Access control
- Video surveillance/CCTV
- Intrusion detection
- Structured cabling
- Telecommunications infrastructure
Experience performing takeoffs and developing BOMs from construction drawings and specifications.
Ability to read architectural, electrical, low-voltage, AV, and security drawings.
Experience with D-Tools System Integrator, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel strongly preferred.
Understanding of labor estimating for engineering, programming, installation, termination, testing, commissioning, and project management.
Working knowledge of IT/network infrastructure, including switches, routers, VLANs, IP addressing, and PoE as they relate to AV and security systems.
Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate project scope, technical solutions, assumptions, and pricing clearly.

No formal degree is required. Relevant industry experience and demonstrated estimating ability are considered more important than formal education.

Preferred Certifications

Industry certifications are beneficial but not mandatory. Relevant certifications may include:

AVIXA CTS / CTS-D
BICSI Installer / Technician / RCDD
ASIS PSP
CCNA or similar networking certification

Working Conditions

Primarily an office-based estimating position in Westchester County, New York.
Approximately 10–25% travel may be required for client meetings, pre-bid walks, surveys, and project-site visits.
Occasional visits to active construction sites may require appropriate PPE and adherence to site safety requirements.
Successful completion of a background check may be required.

AV Estimator