What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Estimator - Mechanical Construction position at LVI Associates?
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to join a growing mechanical construction team. This individual will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates for commercial, industrial, healthcare, mission-critical, and other complex mechanical construction projects.
The Mechanical Estimator will manage the estimating process from initial bid review through final proposal submission, working closely with preconstruction, operations, project management, vendors, subcontractors, and senior leadership.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical construction, along with the ability to accurately interpret drawings, specifications, schedules, and scopes of work.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for mechanical construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect project costs.
- Review drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to develop a comprehensive understanding of project scope.
- Perform accurate quantity takeoffs for HVAC, piping, plumbing, sheet metal, and associated mechanical systems.
- Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors, equipment manufacturers, and subcontractors.
- Identify scope gaps, potential risks, value-engineering opportunities, and areas requiring clarification during the bidding process.
- Develop competitive bid packages and proposals that clearly define project scope, inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions.
- Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations teams to ensure estimates reflect realistic construction methods, manpower requirements, and project schedules.
- Participate in bid reviews and scope meetings with senior leadership before final proposal submission.
- Assist with conceptual estimates, budgets, design-build projects, and negotiated work during preconstruction.
- Maintain historical estimating information and use completed project data to improve the accuracy of future bids.
- Support project handoffs from estimating to operations following successful project awards.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, general contractors, and clients.
The ideal candidate will have previous estimating or preconstruction experience within the mechanical construction industry, with a strong understanding of mechanical systems and construction processes.
Candidates should be comfortable reading and interpreting mechanical drawings, specifications, P&IDs, equipment schedules, and construction documents. Experience estimating HVAC, sheet metal, piping, plumbing, hydronic systems, and mechanical equipment packages is highly desirable.
Strong numerical, analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential. Candidates should also be comfortable working across multiple bids simultaneously while meeting strict proposal deadlines.
Experience with industry estimating and takeoff software is preferred. A degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is beneficial, although relevant mechanical contracting experience will also be considered.
Salary : $150,000 - $180,000