Electrical Estimator

Remote · Remote possible

Job description

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is an energy transition partner built to accelerate the energy transition by transforming the built environment into a productive, resilient, climate-adapted extension of the grid. We do this by partnering with utilities and building owners to provide program management, project implementation, and financing services and capabilities to our partners' customers. Together, we are creating a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable energy future. 

Position Summary 

Sparkfund is hiring an Electrical Estimator to join our Project Development Engineering team and play a crucial role in identifying and developing energy projects for Sparkfund’s customers. This role is responsible for conducting comprehensive energy audits, utilizing cutting-edge tools and methodologies to identify opportunities for energy conservation, and developing actionable recommendations for our customers’ energy usage optimization. This person will collaborate closely with building owners, building facility managers and engineering teams, as well as with various teams within Sparkfund to develop projects encompassing energy efficiency, solar PV, EVSE battery energy storage systems, and other areas. This person must have demonstrated expertise in building systems, electrical and HVAC equipment, energy consumption patterns, and sustainable practices. 

The Electrical Estimator is a new role that will report directly to the Director, Project Development and will work cross-functionally with many internal teams, including our Program Management, Commercial Solutions, Vendor Management, and Project Delivery teams. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and demonstrates strong communication and technical skills.

Location 

Sparkfund is a fully remote company, but we require this person to be based in the continental US, with strong preference for candidates in proximity to a national airport. This role will include travel within the continental US up to 30% of the time to customer offices and project sites. Additionally, we expect you to travel to Washington, DC and / or other US cities for organized team and / or company gatherings to collaborate with other members of the team / company, learn the ins and outs of our business, and contribute to our company culture.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead the estimation process for electrical projects of varying stage, size, and complexity, including site walks and audits, scope identification, and project costing support. 
  • Consult and collaborate on solutions, proposals, projects, and studies – interpret and analyze energy usage data, run calculations, review equipment specifications and building system layouts and designs, and prepare accurate cost estimates that meet the project’s requirements.
  • Record data within Salesforce and other internal systems, ensuring transparent communication and accurate analytics reports. 
  • Consult on equipment selection discussions with vendors and external partners. 
  • Maintain and leverage relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to support the estimating process, collaborating closely with the Vendor Management team on relationship development and management. 
  • Consult with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to refine estimates and address project specifications. 
  • Coordinate timely and accurate handoff of data to and from multiple internal stakeholders on the Program Management, Commercial Solutions, Financial Solutions, Legal, and Delivery teams. 
  • Represent Sparkfund and/or Sparkfund’s partner in front of customers, facility managers, subcontractors, vendors, and other external parties, ensuring all groups have a positive and professional experience. 
  • Apply expertise and lessons learned to the development of tools, processes, and other operations within Sparkfund, contributing to Sparkfund’s growth and development. 

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience with building energy infrastructure or energy management projects with the energy or utilities industries.
  • Technical expertise in commercial and industrial electrical infrastructure including electrical distribution systems, HVAC, lighting, insulation, and / or other energy-related technologies.
  • Demonstrated analytical abilities with a keen attention to detail.  
  • Experience with renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, battery storage, and thermal storage.
  • Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., ASHRAE, LEED, Energy Star).
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts and topics effectively for non-technical audiences.
  • Experience managing multiple projects at one time, with a demonstrated ability to switch between contexts quickly and efficiently.
  • Skilled at making sound and defensible decisions with incomplete information.
  • Ability to build and maintain long-term, trusting relationships.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or related technical field. 
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification, journeyman or Master Electrician’s license. 
  • Experience with Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment(EVSE) and Solar PV projects including estimation and/or installation.  
  • Professional certifications such as NABCEP, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), or LEED Accreditation.
  • Competency in software and cloud-based information management tools, including Salesforce, GSuite, and other project management tools.
  • Project development experience in the clean energy, resilience, and / or energy efficiency space, including knowledge of project risks, key stakeholders, market incentives, and customer value propositions.
  • Dedication to what we’re building at Sparkfund and a passion for combating climate change.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and stock option plans - we believe in shared ownership.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as disability and life insurance.
  • Flexible vacation policy that encourages ~4 weeks of paid time off. We also observe all federal holidays.
  • 8 weeks gender-neutral paid leave for caregivers when they have a new addition to their families and an additional 4 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents.
  • A one-time, work-from-home stipend to help cover any equipment, hardware, etc. you need to set up your remote office.
  • A monthly allowance of $100 to help cover phone and WiFi expenses. 
 

We Want You To Know

You can be a great candidate even if you don't fit everything we've described above. You can also have important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship, and recognize we need diverse perspectives to successfully tackle this massive challenge. To change the world, we must first change ourselves, which is why Sparkfund has created a space that sources viewpoints from people who look and think differently.
 
We are committed to diversity and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences, and we're taking steps to meet that commitment.
 
We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and people with disabilities.

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