Controls Estimator – Building Controls

Conti LLC
Location: Michigan or Ohio (Preferred: Detroit Metro or Maumee OH Office)
Reports To: Director of Building Automation and Controls
Work Environment: Flexible/Hybrid; On‑site presence preferred but not required
Experience Required: 1–3 years (early career, teachable, growth‑oriented candidates encouraged)

Overview

Conti LLC is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented Controls Estimator to support our growing Building Controls division. In this role, you will help turn traditional MEP/electrical systems into smart‑building solutions by estimating building automation, HVAC controls, energy management systems, lighting controls, and related technologies.

This position is ideal for a driven, early‑career professional—someone who wants to learn the controls industry, develop into a senior estimator/sales engineer, and grow within a national organization. We provide leads, project opportunities, mentorship, and hands‑on exposure to the full estimating and proposal process.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Proposal Development

• Review drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to prepare accurate cost estimates for building control systems.
• Develop pricing for HVAC controls, lighting controls, energy management systems, and integrated smart‑building solutions.
• Evaluate design documents to determine required materials, equipment, and labor.
• Prepare competitive bids and proposals aligned with Conti’s margin targets.
• Create and submit clear and complete proposal documentation.

Sales & Client Support

• Support sales leadership (primarily Mitch) in pursuing leads and RFQs.
• Participate in pre‑bid walks, post‑bid interviews, and scope review meetings.
• Take meeting notes, assist with scope development, and support proposal follow‑up.
• Provide technical answers and clarifications to customers and internal teams as needed.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering and design teams to validate estimate accuracy and technical feasibility.
• Support handoff to project managers and operations teams after award.
• Explain the basis of estimates and design decisions to internal stakeholders.

Market Awareness & Process Improvement

• Stay informed on industry trends, new technologies, and competitor offerings.
• Assist in refining estimating tools, templates, and pricing methods.
• Help build scalable estimating processes as the division grows nationally.

Types of Projects

• K–12 Schools
• Mixed‑Use Developments
• Commercial Buildings
• Industrial Facilities
• Multi‑Space/Tenant Fit‑outs
• Data Centers
  Conti has no geographic boundaries—projects can span the Midwest and across the country.

Day‑to‑Day Breakdown

• Estimating and takeoffs
• RFQ and lead follow‑up
• Pre‑bid walkthroughs and scope notes
• Proposal creation
• Internal coordination with engineering, PMs, and operations
• Sales support

Conti provides a steady flow of estimating opportunities—this is not a cold-calling or customer‑facing sales role.

Software & Tools

• Bluebeam
• Microsoft Excel
• Basic understanding of HVAC and building controls preferred
• Proficiency developing takeoffs and reading drawings a plus

Qualifications

Top Must‑Haves

1. A strong desire to learn, grow, and build a long‑term career in controls estimating.
2. Self‑driven, hungry, and motivated.
3. (1–3 years experience) with foundational knowledge of MEP, electrical, or controls systems.

Bonus Qualifications

• Understanding of smart‑building technologies and automation.
• Experience recognizing high‑performing teams and wanting to be part of a top‑tier group.
• Exposure to MEP/electrical estimating environments or consulting engineers.

Why Join Conti

• High growth opportunity within a rapidly expanding controls division
• Strong mentorship directly from senior leadership
• National reach with flexibility in work location
• Ability to grow into estimating, sales engineering, or leadership roles
• Healthy project backlog and long‑term organizational investment