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Low Voltage Controls Estimator

Upchurch, Jackson, MS, United States


Company Overview
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

Position Summary
The Low‑Voltage Controls Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for the low‑voltage portions of building systems projects. This role focuses on estimating devices, cabling, panels, networking, installation labor, and related services supporting BAS, EMS, EPMS, lighting controls, tele data, and AV systems. The estimator collaborates with sales, preconstruction teams, project management, and vendors to clearly define scope boundaries and ensure pricing accuracy without responsibility for system design.

Key Responsibilities

Review construction drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and addenda to identify low‑voltage system scope

Prepare detailed estimates for low‑voltage components of the following systems:

Building Automation Systems (BAS) – controllers, sensors, control panels, wiring, networks, graphics support

Energy Management Systems (EMS) – meters interfaces, gateways, data acquisition hardware, cabling

Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) – meters, CTs (if LV‑installed), communication wiring, gateways

Lighting Controls – control panels, relays, sensors, low‑voltage cabling, interfaces to lighting fixtures or BAS

Teledata Systems – structured cabling, fiber, pathways, racks, cabinets, grounding, terminations

Audiovisual (AV) Systems – control processors, displays, speakers, DSPs, endpoints, cabling, and accessories

Perform quantity takeoffs for low‑voltage devices, cabling, panels, racks, and network infrastructure

Develop labor estimates for installation, rough‑in, trim‑out, terminations, testing, labeling, checkout, and commissioning support

Coordinate vendor and distributor pricing for low‑voltage equipment and materials

Confirm scope division between low‑voltage, electrical, mechanical, IT, and specialty trades

Identify scope gaps, coordination risks, and system integration impacts relevant to low‑voltage work

Prepare estimating assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, and clarifications

Assist with value engineering related to device counts, cabling methods, and system architecture

Participate in bid reviews and turnover meetings with project management

Price change orders and scope revisions affecting low‑voltage systems

Maintain estimating databases, labor units, and historical pricing for low‑voltage work

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; technical or construction‑related education preferred

4–7 years of experience estimating low‑voltage systems or supporting BAS, controls, or ICT projects

Solid understanding of low‑voltage installation practices and system components

Working knowledge of BAS controls hardware, lighting controls, teledata, and AV fundamentals

Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical, controls, and low‑voltage drawings

Proficiency with estimating and takeoff tools (e.g., Accubid, Bluebeam, Excel)

Familiarity with low‑voltage labor productivity and construction sequencing

Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience estimating integrated building or multi‑system low‑voltage projects

Familiarity with common manufacturers and platforms (e.g., Siemens, JCI, Schneider, Honeywell, Tridium, Lutron, Wattstopper, Crestron, Extron, CommScope, Panduit)

Understanding of BACnet, Modbus, TCP/IP networking, and structured cabling standards

Field installation, commissioning, or project coordination experience

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience.

Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid time off and holiday pay.

Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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