Estimator, SDI Services

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

As a recognized leader in solar predrill and pile foundation installation for more than 25 years, SDI Services is now part of SOLV Energy—expanding our collective capability to deliver high‑quality infrastructure services to the power industry. By joining SOLV Energy’s comprehensive capabilities, SDI adds specialized expertise, expanded field capacity, and a robust fleet of drilling equipment to support exceptional project execution. Together, we’re improving performance across the full lifecycle through integrated solutions, reliable delivery, and proven experience serving utility‑scale solar projects.

• This position sits within SDI Services, a SOLV Energy affiliate company, and is posted on SOLV Energy’s careers site to connect great talent with meaningful opportunities. While you will apply through SOLV Energy, all day‑to‑day work, responsibilities, and decision‑making for this role will reside within SDI.
• The Estimator is responsible for developing preliminary structural and geotechnical designs for design-build deep foundation and shoring systems, then translating those designs into accurate, competitive construction cost estimates. The Engineer/Estimator evaluates project conditions and geotechnical data to select and size appropriate foundation and earth-retention systems, then builds the quantity takeoffs, pricing, and proposals used to win and execute the work.

The Engineer/Estimator works closely with Operations, Project Management, and field leadership to ensure that preliminary designs are both technically sound and constructible, and that resulting estimates reflect real-world field production and cost.

Job Description:

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Position Responsibilities And Duties:

Preliminary Design & Engineering

Develop preliminary structural and geotechnical designs for design-build deep foundation systems, including CIDH piles, auger cast piles, displacement piles, ground improvement, micropiles, and helical piles.

Develop preliminary designs for shoring and earth-retention systems, including soldier pile and lagging, sheet piles and tieback anchors.

Review geotechnical reports, boring logs, and site data to determine soil conditions, design parameters, and constraints affecting system selection.

Perform structural and geotechnical calculations to size foundation elements, shoring systems, and associated components, in accordance with applicable codes and project criteria.

Prepare preliminary design sketches, and calculation packages sufficient to support pricing and client review.

Evaluate alternative foundation and shoring design approaches to identify the most cost-effective, constructible solution for each project.

Coordinate with outside design engineers, geotechnical engineers, and structural engineers of record as needed on design-build pursuits.

Estimating & Cost Proposals

Prepare detailed construction estimates based on preliminary designs, including quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted work.

Develop unit pricing and production rates for foundation drilling and shoring operations based on historical field data and engineering judgment.

Solicit and evaluate quotes from subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment vendors to support cost proposals.

Assemble complete bid packages and proposals, including scope narratives, pricing summaries, schedules, and clarifications/exclusions.

Identify and quantify project risks and contingencies within estimates, including geotechnical, schedule, and site-access risks.

Bid Support & Business Development

Participate in bid strategy meetings with the VP of Project Development and Operations leadership.

Support proposal development for design-build and design-assist pursuits, presenting preliminary designs and pricing to clients, general contractors, and owners as needed.

Track and incorporate addenda, RFIs, and design revisions into estimates throughout the bid process.

Assist in preparing value-engineering alternatives to strengthen the competitiveness of proposals.

Technical Coordination & Field Support

Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, and General Superintendent to confirm constructability of preliminary designs before finalizing estimates.

Provide technical support to field and project management teams during design finalization and early project execution, including design clarifications.

Conduct site visits as needed to verify field conditions, access constraints, and existing site features relevant to design and pricing.

Support post-bid design refinement in coordination with the engineer of record and project team.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

Ensure preliminary designs and calculations comply with applicable building codes, geotechnical recommendations, and industry standards.

Maintain organized records of design calculations, estimates, and supporting documentation for each pursuit.

Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, unit pricing databases, and design standards.

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

Strong working knowledge of foundation drilling and shoring techniques, including CIDH piles, auger cast piles, displacement piles, shoring, tiebacks, micropiles, grouting, helical piles, and ground improvement.

Solid structural and geotechnical engineering fundamentals, with the ability to size and detail deep foundation and earth-retention systems.

Ability to read and interpret geotechnical reports, boring logs, structural drawings, and specifications.

Proficiency with design and analysis software relevant to deep foundations and shoring.

Strong estimating skills, including quantity takeoffs, unit pricing, and cost proposal development.

Ability to translate engineering designs into accurate, competitive, and constructible cost estimates.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy under time constraints.

Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent bids and design pursuits.

Must be proficient in MS Office including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.

Minimum of five (5) years of structural and geotechnical design experience, with direct experience in deep foundations and/or shoring and earth-retention systems strongly preferred.

Prior estimating or preconstruction experience in foundation drilling, heavy civil, or specialty geotechnical construction is a plus.

Experience supporting design-build or design-assist project delivery preferred.

Serviceable knowledge of foundation drilling and shoring equipment, methods, and industry practices.

Certificates / Licenses

• •Active Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
• •Relevant certifications in geotechnical or structural engineering are advantageous.

Physical Requirements

Primarily an office-based role, with the ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods preparing designs and estimates.

Ability to travel periodically to active construction sites to verify field conditions, which may include walking uneven terrain and accessing active construction areas.

Ability to travel occasionally between company and project locations as needed.

Ability to work extended hours during bid deadlines as project demands require.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer spo