Overview In this role you will lead cost estimation for commercial and industrial sheet metal systems within a mechanical contracting environment. You'll develop budgets, takeoffs, and bid proposals for HVAC, piping, and related scopes, shaping preconstruction strategy. You'll collaborate with project teams to ensure complete coverage and drive cost-saving, risk awareness, and process improvements. This is a hands-on, impact-driven position with mentoring of junior estimators and strong stakeholder engagement.
Compensation / Benefits Responsibilities- Lead conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and bid proposals for HVAC, plumbing, and piping scopes
- Perform quantity takeoffs, labor analysis, and pricing using estimating tools
- Review drawings/specs/project docs to ensure complete scope coverage
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability issues, and project risks during preconstruction
- Solicit/evaluate/level subcontractor and vendor proposals
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope reviews
- Collaborate with PMs, engineers, and field leadership during bid strategy and turnover
- Maintain organized documentation and estimating databases
- Build/maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners
- Mentor junior estimators and contribute to process improvements
Key requirements- 10+ years of sheet metal estimating experience in commercial or industrial construction
- Strong knowledge of HVAC, sheet metal, and piping systems, including means/methods, labor productivity, and material costs
- Proficiency with estimating software such as Trimble Accubid, QuoteSoft, FastPIPE or similar
- Ability to read/interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, and BIM/VDC outputs
- Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills with attention to detail
- Experience preparing estimates for design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and digital takeoff tools
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred)
- analytical mindset
- strong communication
- team collaboration
- Trimble Accubid
- QuoteSoft
- FastPIPE
