Job DescriptionHill International is seeking a Senior MEP Estimator to join our East Coast teamThe Senior Estimator will produce accurate quantity take-offs and estimates calibrated to the level of design and specification completeness at each estimating stage-from conceptual/order-of-magnitude through fully detailed construction document estimates.
This role combines hands-on estimating, third-party estimate review, client and senior-management interaction, and the mentorship of junior staff. A core expectation is the judgment to apply the appropriate level of detail, methodology, contingency, and documentation that each design stage warrants.
Responsibilities- Provide electrical and mechanical estimating expertise across a variety of project types and design phases.
- Perform quantity take-offs from SD/DD through CD level, applying the appropriate level of detail for the design maturity at hand.
- Prepare accurate quantification and unit costs for the electrical and mechanical CSI Divisions of assigned projects, with well-organized detail and defensible baseline unit pricing.
- Review third-party estimates for adequacy, uniformity, and completeness.
- Evaluate and level vendor quotes, bid information, and change orders.
- Solicit subcontractor and supplier quotations and scheduling input as required.
- Collaborate with architects and engineers to request clarifications or additional information; document assumptions and exclusions.
- Develop, prepare, and review value analysis (value engineering) estimates.
- Provide electrical and mechanical expertise in construction planning meetings; familiarize the project team with estimate assumptions and methods; assist with the initial subcontracting plan.
- Attend project meetings and perform site investigations as assigned.
- Coordinate activities with the Hill estimating team and serve as a resource and reviewer for other team members' take-offs.
- Interact professionally with clients, senior management, and project team members.
- Maintain proficiency in, and help maintain, all estimating software.
- Demonstrate effective leadership and mentor and develop junior estimators.
Integrated MEP Coordination
- Own the interface where mechanical, electrical, and low-voltage scopes overlap, ensuring cost is neither double-counted nor lost between disciplines.
- State Division 21/22/23/25/26/27/28 scope boundaries explicitly in Basis of Estimate inclusions and exclusions.
- Coordinate escalation forecasting across mechanical and electrical materials - modeling electrical gear (switchgear, transformers) as an independent BLS series distinct from general mechanical materials.
Qualifications- BA/BS in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred.
- 15+ years in the construction industry, preferably electrical or mechanical, with a minimum of 10 years of mechanical estimating experience required; electrical estimating experience preferred.
- A mixture of field and consulting experience preferred.
- Strong conceptual estimating skills with limited information, plus the judgment to know what level of detail each design stage warrants.
- Experience across schematic, conceptual, DD, and CD estimating phases.
- Intermediate to advanced understanding of mechanical systems sufficient to recognize relative costs.
- General knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control, and material pricing.
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, purchase orders, contracts, and cost coding systems (e.g., CSI MasterFormat / UniFormat).
- Proficiency with estimating software such as On-Screen Takeoff, WinEst, or Destini preferred.
- Mechanical process piping, clean room, data center, water/wastewater treatment, rail and transit, and/or industrial manufacturing project experience preferred.
- Ability to build strong internal and external relationships with clients, design consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and Hill staff.
- Effective written and verbal communication, leadership, and mentoring capabilities.
Depending upon your employment status, Hill's comprehensive benefits may include, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurances, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefits, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Auto & Home Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Voluntary Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Referral Program, Professional Certification Incentive Program, Hill University Learning and Development, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, Years of Service Awards Program.
Note: This job description is intended to provide an indication of the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions to be carried out as part of fulfilling the role mentioned in the job title. Various other duties as required.
