HVAC Estimator – Mechanical Cost & Takeoff Specialist
An HVAC Estimator, you’ll create laser-accurate material and labor take-offs, craft competitive bid packages, and steer risk-aware cost strategies that help contractors secure profitable work—often from wherever you work best, office or remote. Grow your influence inside a forward-thinking mechanical construction consultancy that rewards insight, not time-at-desk.
Company Snapshot
- National mechanical and energy services firm serving commercial, industrial, and institutional markets.
- Multi-disciplinary pre-construction team—HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and energy modeling.
- Culture built on collaboration, technical rigor, and continuous learning.
Primary Responsibilities
- Scrutinize HVAC drawings and specifications, then develop meticulous quantity take-offs for ductwork, piping, equipment, and controls.
- Leverage Trimble Accubid, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, and advanced Excel models to create data-driven cost estimates.
- Source real-time pricing from suppliers and specialty subcontractors; maintain a living database of unit costs.
- Draft complete bid packages—including clarifications, alternates, and value-engineering proposals—that sharpen our competitive edge.
- Lead risk and opportunity reviews with project managers and executives, highlighting scope gaps, schedule pressures, and procurement hurdles.
- Analyze historical job performance to refine labor productivity factors and contingency allowances.
- Support change-order negotiations with rapid, defensible pricing that protects margin.
- Present estimate summaries to senior leadership—clear, concise, persuasive.
Technical Requirements
- 5+ years in HVAC estimating or mechanical pre-construction within commercial or industrial markets.
- Mastery of Estimation software: Trimble Accubid (or McCormick), On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, and high-level Excel.
- Deep knowledge of installation means & methods for sheet metal, hydronic, VRF, and control systems.
- Ability to read complex mechanical, architectural, and structural drawings; familiarity with BIM coordination a plus.
- Proven supplier relationships that unlock preferred pricing and lead times.
- Solid grasp of contract formats (lump sum, GMP, design-assist) and how they influence risk.
Preferred Extras
- ASHRAE or SMACNA involvement.
- Experience with energy-efficient retrofits and incentive programs.
- Working knowledge of Revit or Navisworks for 3D quantification.
- Professional certification (CPESC, CPE, or similar).
Soft Skills That Set You Apart
- Forensic attention to detail—errors rarely escape your eye.
- Calm communication style that builds trust with design partners and field teams.
- Nimble problem-solver who finds cost-neutral alternatives under tight bid deadlines.
- Entrepreneurial mindset; you treat every estimate as if the dollars were your own.