Sheet Metal / Plumbing / Piping Estimator

Location: Mechanicsville, VA

Be part of a growing employee‑owned company with more than 75 years of success!
Southern Air, Inc. is committed to employee development, strong teamwork, and exceptional customer service. We proudly serve clients throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Southern Air rewards your commitment with competitive wages, a full benefits package, ESOP participation, medical, 401(k), PTO/Holiday pay, and strong career‑growth opportunities.

Position Summary

The Estimator will be responsible for preparing complete and accurate estimates for Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and Piping scopes of work for commercial and industrial construction projects. The Estimator will support the Estimating Manager and collaborate with internal teams to develop competitive bids and assist with project turnover.

Project types include:

• Office buildings
• Colleges & universities
• Healthcare facilities
• Laboratories
• Data centers
• Central plants
• Industrial & manufacturing facilities

Candidates with experience in sheet metal, plumbing, and piping estimating are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

General Estimating Responsibilities

• Review all construction documents, including Instructions to Bidders, Bid Forms, and Scope of Work.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor quotations to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Distribute plans, specifications, and addenda to subcontractors/vendors via FTP or email.
• Participate in pre‑bid meetings and site visits (travel may be required).
• Coordinate scopes of work with in‑house trades (Sheet Metal, Plumbing, Piping).
• Perform detailed quantity take‑offs using computerized estimating tools.
• Input material, equipment, labor, subcontractor pricing, rentals, and other costs into bid summaries.
• Review take‑offs and pricing for accuracy for all self‑performed work.
• Evaluate subcontractor/vendor quotations for compliance with construction documents.
• Develop draft scope‑of‑work narratives for proposals.
• Assist in procuring subcontractors, materials, and equipment once projects are awarded.
• Enter estimates into the job‑cost control system and participate in transition meetings with operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Trade‑Specific Responsibilities

Plumbing Estimating Experience

• Review plumbing drawings, isometrics, risers, and specifications.
• Perform take‑offs for domestic water, sanitary, storm, natural gas, and specialty piping systems.
• Estimate equipment such as fixtures, pumps, water heaters, interceptors, and specialty components.
• Ensure compliance with IPC, IMC, and local plumbing codes.

Piping Estimating Experience

• Conduct take‑offs for process piping, hydronic heating/cooling, chilled water, steam/condensate, and other mechanical piping systems.
• Estimate valves, specialties, supports/hangers, and prefabrication materials.
• Interpret P&ID drawings, flow diagrams, and piping schematics.
• Understand welding requirements, fabrication processes, and installation methods.

Sheet Metal Estimating Experience

• Perform ductwork take‑offs (rectangular, round, and oval).
• Estimate air distribution equipment including AHUs, VAVs, exhaust systems, and specialty components.
• Understand duct fabrication requirements and installation practices.

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in commercial or institutional construction (sheet metal, plumbing, or piping) or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience with estimating software (Accubid, QuoteSoft, TSI, Estimation, FastPipe, or similar).
• Strong understanding of P&ID drawings and flow diagrams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam.
• Knowledge of construction means and methods for mechanical trades.
• Experience preparing budgets, value‑engineering options, schedules, and manpower projections.
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi‑task, work independently, and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Must pass post‑offer drug screening and required background checks.
• Must adhere to company schedules, policies, and procedures.

Work Environment

• Professional office setting with standard office equipment.
• Occasional visits to construction and industrial worksites.

Physical Demands

• Regular use of office equipment.
• Ability to walk through construction sites and industrial facilities, including navigating stairs and occasional ladder usage.

Total Rewards

Southern Air offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance with company HSA contributions
• Dental & Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• ESOP
• Short‑ & Long‑Term Disability
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• PTO for vacation and personal use
• Employee Assistance Program