Design-Build Estimator

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Design-Build Estimator / Process Engineer operates within an ESCO environment, leading pre-construction efforts for water, wastewater, and industrial process projects from early opportunity assessment through development of complete design packages and cost estimates. This role focuses on scoping, designing, and pricing infrastructure improvements, working alongside Project Development teams responsible for energy performance contracting and ECM strategy. The position requires strong technical, estimating, and client-facing capabilities, with the opportunity to transition into project leadership through construction and commissioning phases.

WHAT YOU BRING:
• Lead full-cycle pre-construction for ESCO pursuits, owning all water, wastewater, and industrial process scopes from early opportunity evaluation through development of a complete, defensible design-build estimate, ensuring technical accuracy and commercial viability.
• Partner strategically with Project Development teams, aligning with energy performance contract objectives while independently scoping, designing, and pricing all water/wastewater and industrial infrastructure improvements.
• Drive client engagement during pre-construction, including leading site walks, technical workshops, and presentations, translating real-world field conditions into design assumptions, risk identification, and cost drivers.
• Perform in-depth facility condition assessments and due diligence, evaluating municipal and industrial treatment systems to identify deficiencies, upgrade opportunities, regulatory gaps, and execution risks.
• Develop basis-of-design (BOD) documentation and conceptual engineering packages, including process flow diagrams and preliminary designs that support go/no-go decisions, proposal development, and client approvals.
• Lead design-build estimating efforts across all phases, producing conceptual to definitive cost estimates, detailed scope narratives, equipment lists, and subcontractor bid packages aligned with project requirements and market conditions.
• Execute equipment selection, sizing, and pricing, coordinating directly with vendors and subcontractors to validate specifications, pricing accuracy, availability, and lead times.
• Conduct thorough RFP and technical document reviews, analyzing client specifications, drawings, and requirements to define scope, identify risks, and establish clear assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications.
• Provide advanced process engineering expertise, developing treatment system designs (biological, filtration, disinfection, membrane, solids handling), including hydraulic profiles, mass balances, and treatment train alternatives, while ensuring cross-discipline integration and regulatory compliance.
• Support or lead project execution post-award, transitioning estimates into delivery by managing design-build coordination, subcontractors, schedules, budgets, documentation, and client communication through construction and commissioning.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, with 5-8 years of experience in design-build estimating and/or process engineering for water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Proven experience leading preconstruction efforts, including facility assessments, basis-of-design development, and cost estimating across municipal and/or industrial water and wastewater projects.
• Strong knowledge of process design principles, including biological treatment (activated sludge, MBR, trickling filters), filtration, and disinfection methods (UV, chlorination), along with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and regulatory standards.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences, along with proficiency in estimating tools and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project), and willingness to travel as needed (20-30%).
• Preferred: Experience with alternative project delivery methods (design-build, CMAR), ESCO/performance contracting, and project management on water/wastewater design-build projects from award through commissioning.
• Preferred: Familiarity with AWWA, WEF, Ten State Standards, and applicable federal and state regulations (SDWA, CWA, NPDES).
• Preferred: Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or process simulation software, along with experience in industrial water/process treatment systems (cooling water, process water, ZLD).

WHY QUANDEL?

As leaders in the industry, we offer team members a generous benefits package, top pay, career advancement, and an autonomous culture fostered by integrity and transparency. Working for us means a rewarding career where you will make a difference with our customers, our subcontractors, our suppliers, and our communities.

Team members at Quandel enjoy 4 weeks of PTO, 8 paid holidays, a 401K with company match, and a flexible work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hybrid work schedule with flexibility for remote work and in-office collaboration. While performing the essential functions of this position, must regularly see, speak, and hear; frequently stand; walk; occasionally kneel and stoop; use hands to manipulate, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.