MEP Cost Estimator

MEP Cost Estimator

Location: Denver, CO

Salary: $90,000 – $140,000 DOE

About the Opportunity

A leading construction and project advisory consultancy is seeking an experienced MEP Cost Estimator to support a diverse portfolio of commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, and infrastructure projects.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with project teams and clients throughout the project lifecycle, providing accurate cost advice, developing budgets, identifying risks, and supporting key commercial decisions. The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering high-quality MEP estimating services while contributing to successful project outcomes across a range of complex and high-profile developments.

Position Overview

The MEP Cost Estimator will be responsible for preparing and managing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection cost estimates from early conceptual design through detailed construction documentation.

Working within a collaborative project environment, you will provide independent cost management services, conduct quantity take-offs, review contractor pricing, assess change orders, and support value engineering initiatives. You will also help identify opportunities to improve project value, mitigate cost risks, and maintain alignment with client budget objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed MEP cost estimates.
• Develop and maintain project cost plans, budgets, and forecasting models.
• Review drawings, specifications, and design documentation to determine scope and pricing requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Solicit, review, and analyze subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Evaluate contractor bids, change orders, and project variations for accuracy and completeness.
• Support value engineering studies, life-cycle costing exercises, and sustainability initiatives.
• Identify cost risks and provide recommendations to mitigate financial exposure.
• Produce benchmarking reports, cost analyses, and client-facing financial summaries.
• Assist project teams with procurement strategies and preconstruction planning activities.
• Maintain and update historical cost databases and market pricing information.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams throughout project delivery.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a commercially minded professional with strong technical knowledge of MEP systems and a proven background in construction estimating and cost planning.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in MEP estimating, cost planning, or quantity surveying within the construction industry.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Experience working on commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial, or mission-critical projects.
• Knowledge of both conceptual estimating and detailed pricing methodologies.
• Experience reviewing contractor bids, procurement packages, and change orders.
• Familiarity with CMGC, GCCM, Design-Build, or alternative delivery methods is advantageous.
• Proficiency with estimating software, on-screen take-off tools, BIM environments, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Professional certifications such as CPE, CCM, MRICS, PQS, or equivalent are considered an asset.

Why This Role?

• Join a highly respected consultancy working on complex, high-profile construction projects.
• Gain exposure to projects across multiple sectors and development stages.
• Work within a collaborative, client-focused environment where your expertise directly influences project success.
• Opportunity to contribute to both preconstruction strategy and live project delivery.
• Competitive compensation, professional development support, and clear career progression opportunities.

If you're an experienced MEP Cost Estimator looking to work on impactful projects and provide strategic cost advice within a dynamic consultancy environment, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.