The Senior Estimator independently develops accurate mechanical estimates by reviewing bid documents, conducting detailed material and labor takeoffs, and preparing clear, comprehensive proposals. This role is the primary technical estimator for piping, mechanical, welding, equipment setting, and facility work. Responsibilities include interpreting drawings, validating constructability, evaluating vendor quotes, identifying risks and scope gaps, and coordinating with internal teams to ensure accurate pricing and execution alignment.
The Senior Estimator manages multiple bids, maintains disciplined estimating practices, mentors junior estimators, updates cost data, and supports handoff to project teams. The core objective is to deliver accurate estimates, reduce project risk, and help the company secure profitable, buildable work.
Primary Job Function:
- Develop complete and accurate mechanical estimates from drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
- Perform detailed takeoffs for piping, welding, equipment, valves, structural components, and mechanical systems. (other applications as required).
- Analyze drawings for constructability issues, scope gaps, and quantity discrepancies.
- Prepare labor build-ups using production rates, craft hours, crew compositions, and historical data.
- Utilize Supply Chain to solicit, evaluate, and normalize vendor and subcontractor quotes.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks to assess site conditions and risks.
- Identify risks, assumptions, exclusions, and prepare proposal clarifications.
- Coordinate with project managers, engineering, and field teams to validate installation methods and labor assumptions.
- Support value engineering and alternative construction approaches.
- Prepare estimate summaries, cost breakdowns, and pricing sheets for internal review.
- Maintain cost data, unit rates, and historical production information.
- Support conceptual, budgetary, and FEL-level estimates as needed.
- Provide complete estimate logic, quantities, and assumptions during project handoff.
- Supply Project Controls with required cost data for accurate job setup and tracking.
- Manage multiple bids and communicate status updates to leadership.
- Ensure estimate files, calculations, and supporting documents are organized and traceable.
Required Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in mechanical takeoff methods for piping, welding, equipment, and structural components.
- Strong understanding of piping materials, pressure classes, fittings, and fabrication practices.
- Ability to develop detailed labor estimates using crew makeup and production rates.
- Skilled in reading P&IDs, isometrics, mechanical drawings, and scope documents.
- Experience with unit-rate, resource-based, and detailed line-item estimates.
- Proficiency in estimating software (InEight, HeavyBid, Navisworks, Bluebeam or similar).
- Advanced Excel skills (formulas, lookups, pivot tables, cost modeling).
- Knowledge of mechanical construction means and methods, including rigging, equipment installation, hydrotesting, and commissioning.
- Familiarity with ASME, API, and mechanical construction specifications.
- Ability to identify constructability challenges and productivity impacts.
- Understanding indirect costs, equipment rates, consumables, and labor burdens.
- Experience developing conceptual and budgetary estimates with limited information.
- Knowledge of WBS structures, cost codes, and estimate organization for project controls.
- Ability to support schedule alignment and communicate installation durations.
- Ability to apply lessons learned, historical costs, and field production data.
Nice to Have:
- JD Edwards experience (cost codes,).
- Power BI for estimating KPIs.
- Familiarity with construction scheduling software (Primavera P6 or MS Project).
- Ability to participate in client technical reviews.
- Experience developing manpower loading curves or sequencing plans.
- Field Experience (mechanical/piping/welding experience).
- Experience in Oil, Gas & Midstream industrial estimating and project management.
Experience:
- 5+ years estimating experience in the Midstream Oil & Gas industry.
- Proven experience estimating pipelines, facilities, and terminals.
Education/Training:
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent field experience or 5-10 years in a similar estimating role accepted.
- Professional certifications such as AACEI CEP, PMP, or ASPE preferred.
Competencies:
- Technical Mastery: Strong understanding of estimating methods and tools.
- Collaboration: Works effectively with BD, Operations, Project Controls, and Supply Chain.
- Communication: Able to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Analytical Judgment: Identifies cost drivers, risks, and productivity impacts.
Physical Demands:
- Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear.
- Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crawl.
- Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.
Other Criteria:
- Occasional travel required.
- Compliance with all company policies, including Drug & Alcohol policy.
- Ability to work safely and collaboratively.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
