[Hiring] Estimator I @High Light Electric

Role Description

This is an independent contractor service opportunity intended for professionals located in and providing services from outside the United States. It is not an employee position and does not include Company employee benefits.

High-Light Electric, Inc. is building an estimating structure that clearly separates quantity takeoff from full bid ownership. Takeoff Specialists measure and organize quantities. Estimators take that work forward — reviewing the takeoff, verifying scope, pricing the work, managing bid communication, assembling the estimating package, and owning the bid from start to finish.

We are currently seeking professionals who can provide Estimator I-level services, owning standard construction bids from initial review through bid submission and post-award handoff.

As an Estimator I, your contracted services will include:

• Run standard construction bids from initial review through bid submission and post-award handoff.
• Review and approve assigned takeoff packages, verifying quantities, plans, specifications, materials, installation requirements, scope completeness, coordination items, and bid risks.
• Price and assemble complete estimating packages, including bid worksheets, vendor and subcontractor quotes, bidder questions, addenda, and subcontractor information.
• Manage standard bid-related communication with vendors, subcontractors, owners, agencies, and other external project contacts through Company-authorized communication channels.
• Coordinate pre-bid and bid-closeout reviews and provide a clear estimating recommendation before submission.
• After award, support contract execution, budget setup, required project documentation, and a clean handoff to the project team.
• Coordinate with Takeoff Specialists on assigned bid packages, including deadlines, package review, corrections, and missing information needed to complete the estimate.

Qualifications

• Practical construction estimating experience, including pricing and bid preparation.
• Experience reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications in English.
• Strong understanding of scope and the ability to identify missing, conflicting, or incomplete information.
• Experience reviewing takeoffs, vendor/subcontractor quotes, addenda, and other bid documents.
• Strong Excel proficiency required.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu strongly preferred.
• Professional written and verbal English for estimating discussions and external bid-related communication.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of the complete bid.
• Clear, proactive communication when scope, pricing, quality, or bid deadlines may be affected.
• Accountability for the accuracy and completeness of contracted deliverables.
• Sound judgment when working with confidential pricing, plans, specifications, and competitive information.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with Estimating, Operations, and project teams.
• Experience with U.S. construction, electrical infrastructure, civil scope, or public works is highly valuable.

Requirements

• This is a deliverable-based independent contractor engagement, not a fixed-shift or timesheet-based position.
• Contractors determine how they organize their work as long as agreed deliverables and bid deadlines are met.
• California business hours are generally 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
• You are not expected to work a fixed 8–5 shift; however, you must be able to coordinate and remain reachable during the specific California-business-hour windows required for active bids.
• All work-related communication and external bid communication must be conducted through Company-authorized systems and platforms.

Benefits

• Estimator I Monthly Service Fee: $2,400 USD*
• Productivity Bonuses: $533 USD per $1M on jobs won
• Estimator II Monthly Service Fee: $2,750 USD*
• Estimator II Productivity Bonuses: $667 USD per $1M on jobs won

Company Description

Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way. The ecosystem includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) — a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California.

We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets.

Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: the Mendoza Companies will be a $1-billion-dollar company, connecting 1,000 families and communities through business.