Controls / SCADA Estimator

Controls / SCADA Estimator (Mid-Level)

Elkridge, Maryland
Avista Realtime Systems, LLC

About Avista

Avista Realtime Systems is a Maryland-based engineering and systems integration firm specializing in SCADA, power automation, industrial control systems, and panel manufacturing for transit, utility, renewable energy, water, and government clients.

We provide end-to-end solutions including system architecture design, hardware procurement, panel fabrication, PLC/RTU programming, networking, cybersecurity, factory testing, and commissioning.

We are a technically driven engineering firm, not a general contractor, where control systems expertise leads the project execution.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls / SCADA Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for SCADA and power or process automation projects across transit, utility, substation, and infrastructure environments.

This is a technical estimating role requiring real understanding of control system architecture, integration effort, and commissioning complexity.

This role is ideal for a Project Engineer, Assistant PM, or Controls Engineer currently working in a large contractor environment who wants greater ownership, direct impact, and career growth in a focused engineering organization.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Estimating

• Review RFPs, specifications, and drawings
• Develop detailed cost estimates for:
  • PLC and RTU systems (SEL, Emerson, Modicon, Allen Bradley, PLCNext, etc.)
  • SCADA servers and HMI platforms
  • Networking infrastructure (fiber, unmanaged or managed switches, firewalls)
  • Control panels and I/O systems
  • Historian and reporting systems
• Quantify engineering and programming hours
• Estimate FAT, SAT, and commissioning effort
• Develop Bills of Material (BOM) and labor projections

Scope & Risk Management

• Identify scope gaps and technical risks
• Prepare clarifications and exclusions
• Support change order development
• Participate in internal bid and risk review meetings

Vendor & Team Coordination

• Solicit vendor quotations
• Collaborate with engineering and project teams
• Evaluate schedule and productivity assumptions

Required Qualifications

• 3–7 years’ experience in controls, SCADA, power systems, or infrastructure projects
• Experience in transit, rail, utility, renewable, or heavy electrical environments preferred
• Strong ability to interpret electrical drawings and I/O lists
• Familiarity with DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850
• Understanding of field commissioning and startup processes
• Strong analytical and Excel skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical field

OR

• Associate degree with substantial relevant controls/SCADA experience

Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.

Why Join Avista

• Work on high-impact infrastructure and power automation projects
• Direct access to leadership and decision-making
• Greater technical ownership and influence
• Engineering-focused culture with less bureaucracy
• Clear growth path into senior estimating or technical leadership roles

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with experience and industry standards, including performance-based incentives, retirement plan participation, health benefits, and paid time off.

High-performing candidates with relevant transit or utility experience will be compensated accordingly.

If you are interested in contributing to complex SCADA and power automation projects in a technically driven environment, we would like to hear from you.