In this role you will:
- Own the quality of bids from conceptual budgets through hard-bid proposals.
- Mentor estimators and help strengthen estimating processes and tools.
- Build lasting relationships with GCs, owners, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Contribute to a company that values of people, relationships, community, excellence, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
What Success Looks Like
You manage multiple concurrent estimates, often with limited plans, while maintaining accuracy and commercial judgment. You communicate clearly, hold high standards, and take ownership from takeoff through turnover and labor budgets. Over time you become a trusted technical resource and mentor.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Prepare accurate estimates and proposals for mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and piping projects.
- Develop conceptual/schematic budgets with limited documents and detailed contract estimates for bids and negotiated work.
- Size systems, identify plan deficiencies, propose cost-saving strategies, and apply appropriate labor factors and contingencies.
- Independently prepare and submit proposals under $1M and 5,000 man-hours; structure pricing to customer requirements.
- Solicit and evaluate supplier/subcontractor quotes; engage complex vendors as needed.
- Attend pre-bid meetings as required; lead setup and turnover meetings; prepare labor budgets for awarded work.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise, train, and mentor Estimators; review peer work and provide input.
- Collaborate with VDC and operations to improve processes and standards.
- Maintain strong relationships with General Contractor/Owner, estimating staff, and support the vendor community.
- Work with coordinators on estimate schedules and bid bonds; partner with engineers on design inputs when needed.
Qualifications
Required
- Ability to read and comprehend blueprints and construction documents.
- Strong knowledge of plumbing and mechanical codes and HVAC/plumbing/piping systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with estimating software (Trimble AutoBid Mechanical preferred), Excel, and Bluebeam.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines with strong organization and attention to detail.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Preferred
- 8-10+ years progressive estimating experience in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical piping (commercial/industrial).
- Significant field experience in the trades (installation, supervision, or project management).
- Design-Build / Design-Assist experience. Sheet metal estimating is a plus but not required.
What We Offer
Benefits include:
- Employee Stock Ownership Retirement Plan and 401(k) with Employer Match
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and Accident Insurance
- Tax-free Spending Accounts, Paid Holidays, PTO (including bereavement, jury duty, and community volunteering)
- Tuition Assistance, LinkedIn Learning, Employee Assistance Program, Legal Resources, AFLAC, and Corporate Chaplain
- Competitive base salary with performance incentives; relocation assistance considered for the right candidate
You'll work on meaningful projects (medical, institutional, industrial, commercial, government) alongside fabrication, BIM/VDC, and operations teams with real opportunity to influence standards, mentor others, and grow in a stable company.
If you're an experienced mechanical estimator ready to own bids, develop talent, and contribute to a company with more than seven decades of craftsmanship, we'd like to hear from you.
