Mechanical Estimator (HVAC, Plumbing, Piping)

Location: Richmond, VA

Department: Preconstruction

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Commercial & Industrial Construction

Position Overview

The Mechanical Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal systems across commercial and industrial construction projects.

This role plays a critical function in preconstruction, supporting budgeting, conceptual estimating, subcontractor procurement, and value engineering efforts. The Mechanical Estimator collaborates with project management, engineering, and field operations teams to ensure precise scope definition and cost alignment.

Projects include healthcare facilities, hospitals, high-rise buildings, government projects, data centers, and higher education institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope
Prepare detailed mechanical cost estimates for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal systems
Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate labor and material costs
Develop conceptual budgets and design-phase estimates
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids for accuracy and completeness
Identify and recommend value engineering opportunities to improve cost efficiency and constructability
Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, and Operations teams to align estimating with execution strategies
Support proposal development and client presentations
Maintain clear documentation of assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications
Utilize estimating software and Excel-based models to produce reports and pricing summaries

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
Minimum 5+ years of mechanical estimating experience in commercial or industrial construction
Strong expertise in:
HVAC systems
Plumbing systems
Mechanical piping
Sheet metal systems
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and technical specifications
Proven experience with quantity takeoffs and cost analysis
Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Autobid or similar)
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (cost modeling and analysis)
Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

Field experience in mechanical construction or operations
Experience with large-scale or complex projects, including:
Healthcare and hospitals
Data centers
Government facilities
Universities and higher education
High-rise construction

Work Environment

Primarily office-based within a preconstruction setting
Occasional travel to job sites, vendors, and client locations

Equal Employment Opportunity

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M/F/Disability/Veterans) and is committed to building a diverse workforce.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

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