HVAC Estimator

Kelso Industries

$95K — $130K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience.
  • Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and mechanical construction.
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
  • Experience with detailed quantity takeoffs and project cost estimates.
  • Understanding of labor productivity and construction cost structures.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Capacity to manage multiple estimates under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare complete estimates for HVAC projects spanning new construction and renovations.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate costs for labor, materials, and equipment.
  • Review contract documents for full scope assurance.
  • Collaborate with Operations for labor strategies and project execution plans.
  • Evaluate procurement risks and equipment needs that affect scheduling or costs.
  • Identify project cost-saving opportunities and scope gaps.
  • Engage in pre-bid meetings and site visits for scope assessments.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
Full Job Description
HVAC Estimator

Position Summary

The HVAC Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC construction projects. Working closely with Estimating Leadership, Operations, Project Management, and Business Development, this role supports the entire preconstruction process by evaluating project scope, pricing strategies, constructability, scheduling, procurement risks, and execution plans to position the company to win profitable work.

Projects typically range from $250,000 to $20 million and include commercial, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, institutional, multifamily, and mission-critical facilities delivered through hard bid, negotiated, design-build, GMP, and other collaborative delivery methods.

The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial HVAC estimating experience, sound mechanical construction knowledge, and the ability to identify project risks, develop competitive pricing strategies, and collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction
  • Prepare complete estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC projects, including new construction, renovations, replacements, and design-build work.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
  • Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage.
  • Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, GMP, and hard-bid estimates.
  • Partner with Operations and Project Management to review labor strategies, project schedules, constructability, and execution plans.
  • Evaluate long-lead equipment, procurement strategies, and supply chain risks that may impact cost or schedule.
  • Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope reviews.

Vendor & Bid Management
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
  • Develop clear bid packages and scopes of work to ensure complete and comparable pricing.
  • Review proposals for scope compliance and identify cost-saving alternatives.
  • Participate in bid reviews, pricing strategy discussions, and post-bid negotiations.
  • Prepare proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and estimate documentation.

Project Support
  • Participate in project turnover meetings and communicate estimating assumptions, risks, vendor coverage, and procurement considerations.
  • Assist with equipment buyout, subcontractor selection, and change order pricing as needed.
  • Compare estimated versus actual costs and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience.
  • Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, piping, ductwork, controls, and mechanical construction.
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
  • Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and labor, material, and equipment estimates.
  • Understanding of labor productivity, project scheduling, procurement, and construction cost structures.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent field experience considered.
  • Field experience in HVAC installation, piping, sheet metal, refrigeration, or mechanical construction.
  • Experience with design-build, negotiated, GMP, conceptual budgeting, and hard-bid delivery methods.
  • Experience estimating commercial projects valued between $250,000 and $20 million.
  • Proficiency with estimating software such as QuoteSoft, Trimble AutoBid, FastPIPE/FastDUCT, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, or similar platforms.
  • Familiarity with BIM/VDC, prefabrication, and value engineering is a plus.


Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary Range: $95,000-$130,000
  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO

Pay Transparency Statement
The compensation range provided represents the Company's good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.

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