Design Estimator for Audio Video

Design Estimator

Location(s):
Austin; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Las Vegas; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Salt Lake City; Tulsa; Washington, D.C.

Compensation:
Ford offers on-going industry training, competitive pay and benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability and life insurance, travel Per Diem, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, 401K with matching, industry certifications and opportunities for advancement.

Description:

As a Design Estimator at Ford AV, you will play a key role in our pre-sales process by developing accurate and detailed audio, video, lighting, and control system designs. You will translate project requirements into proposals that include system drawings, bills of materials, and cost estimates, ensuring our sales team can present competitive, reliable solutions to clients.

• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and site surveys to develop complete system estimates.
• Prepare accurate bills of materials, material costs, labor, and travel estimates.
• Create functional line drawings, rack layouts, and system descriptions for proposals.
• Identify inconsistencies or discrepancies in project documents and recommend solutions.
• Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to refine system designs and resolve technical challenges.
• Obtain vendor quotes and explore alternative products for cost and performance optimization.
• Support smooth project hand-off after proposal award.

Preferred

• CTS-D, CTS-I, or related industry certifications.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Experience in AV installation or construction project support.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in AV system design, estimating, or related technical role.
• Strong skills in preparing BOMs, drawings, and cost estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Visio or CAD tools preferred.
• Ability to read/interpret specifications, drawings, and technical requirements.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a track record of meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across sales, engineering, and vendor teams.

Benefits:
Ford offers a competitive compensation and benefits including medical insurance, dental, vision, short-term disability and life insurance, paid time off (PTO), 401K (w/ matching fund), profit-sharing, and opportunities for advancement.

Drug Testing:
Ford is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- sensitive positions are subject to drug testing. Moreover, pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and/or post-accident drug testing may be conducted in accordance with company policy and all applicable laws in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants for this position tentatively selected for employment at Ford are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Ford is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Ford is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Physical Requirements:
This role is IN-OFFICE, not a remote or hybrid role and may require some business travel.
The physical requirements for this position involve primarily sedentary work, although occasional standing, walking, and reaching may be necessary. The candidate should have sufficient vision capabilities to read and comprehend information in print and/or electronic formats. The ability to communicate effectively is required to succeed in completing the responsibilities of this position. They must demonstrate the ability to manipulate, handle, feel, and have control over items or equipment as needed. Strong reading, writing, and interpretation skills are essential for this role. In addition, there may be instances where the candidate is required stand for extended periods of time and occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. It is important for candidates to meet these physical requirements while also maintaining travel flexibility for occasional business-related travel.

*Safety-Sensitive Position:
“Safety-sensitive” is defined to mean any job that includes tasks or duties that could reasonably affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others. If employed in a safety-sensitive position, you must not use or possess alcohol or any illicit drug while assigned to perform safety-sensitive functions or actually performing safety-sensitive functions. You must not report for duty or remain on duty if you are under the influence or impaired by alcohol or have used any illicit drug. You must not report for duty or remain on duty when using any controlled substance unless used pursuant to the instructions of an authorized medical practitioner. You must not refuse to submit to any test for alcohol or controlled substances. must not refuse to submit to any test by adulterating or substituting your specimen. With regard to this policy, Ford will abide by all applicable local, state and federal laws.