Commercial HVAC Estimator – Mechanical Contractor

Position Overview

Bay Area Mechanical, LLC is seeking a detail-oriented Commercial HVAC Estimator who brings a proven, hands-on track record in commercial mechanical estimating. This is the most critical role for our company's next phase of growth. We are looking for a professional who has spent years refining their craft in the commercial construction and specifically HVAC space, bringing a robust network of local vendor relationships and strong software fluency to accurately scope, bid, and win complex projects.

Company Overview

We are a union‑trained industrial & commercial HVAC contractor serving the San Francisco Bay Area for 20 years. We focus on preventative maintenance contracts and service/repair for commercial and industrial facilities (boilers, chillers, rooftop units, refrigeration, controls), plus small-to-medium projects and changeouts. Leads/opportunities are abundant. We’re a growth‑focused, people‑first team - laid back but highly professional - working directly with general contractors, facility managers, and repeat commercial clients.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $135,000 – $165,000/year (Dependent on experience)

• Performance-Based Bonus: Uncapped Project Profitability Bonus

How Our Bonus Plan Works:

We believe in rewarding accuracy and profitability, not just raw volume. Our estimators participate in a lucrative incentive program tied directly to the Gross Profit Dollars won:

• Earn on Profit: You receive a direct percentage payout for every profitable commercial bid you secure.

• Uncapped Potential: There is no ceiling on your bonus potential - the more profitable work you bring in, the more you earn.

• Paid at Milestones: Bonuses are distributed at project booking and project closeout, keeping you connected to the success of our field teams.

Additional Benefits:

• PTO per CA accrual rules & 6 paid holidays (12 observed).

• 401(k) with company match.

• Health insurance stipend.

• Vehicle stipend.

• Flexible 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM schedule.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• Demonstrated Experience: Years of dedicated, hands-on commercial HVAC estimating experience, including maintenance contract and service bidding.

• Advanced Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with industry-standard digital takeoff and management software. Proficiency in one or more of the following is required:

  • Trimble AutoBid

  • ProEst

  • STACK Takeoff

  • Procore

• Industry Network: An established, active network of local Bay Area equipment vendors, manufacturers, and sales engineers to secure competitive, lightning-fast material and equipment pricing.

• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, highly organized, and a proactive approach to project follow-up and pipeline management.

• Logistics: Clean professional appearance, valid CA driver’s license, and reliable transportation for occasional job walks.

Preferred Backgrounds:

We highly welcome candidates with diverse mechanical backgrounds, including:

1. Estimators from General Contractors (specifically working within the mechanical/MEP department).

2. Estimators, Sales Representatives, or Technical Account Managers from commercial HVAC/mechanical distributors who understand the equipment pipeline inside and out.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Precision Estimating & Strategy

• Review mechanical blueprints, architectural drawings, project specifications, and RFPs to complete comprehensive material, equipment, and labor takeoffs.

• Prepare precise cost estimates for commercial HVAC projects, equipment replacements (chillers, boilers, RTUs), and tenant improvements.

• Accurately estimate preventative maintenance agreements and service contracts to support our high-recurring-revenue model.

• Incorporate AI-savvy practices or advanced workflows to optimize takeoff speed while maintaining ironclad accuracy.

Vendor & Pipeline Management

• Actively collaborate with equipment distributors and manufacturers' sales engineers to secure competitive, timely pricing on equipment and materials.

• Know exactly who to contact and when to contact them to lock down pricing ahead of tight bid deadlines.

• Maintain a meticulous bid log, ensure rigorous project follow-up, and provide weekly pipeline updates to the owner and operations manager.

Culture Fit & Soft Skills

• Proactive & Self-Directed: A sharp follow-up approach; you don’t wait for answers, you hunt them down.

• Pragmatic Problem Solver: Comfortable working without rigid corporate red tape and open to helping refine our standard estimating workflows as we continue to scale.

• Clear Communicator: Able to seamlessly bridge the gap between technical field staff, external sales engineers, and management.

At Bay Area Mechanical, our leadership is genuinely kind, flexible, and laid-back, while maintaining a sharp, super-professional standard of work. We don't micromanage. This is an environment where an independent estimator who excels at their job will absolutely flourish. If you want the autonomy to own your role, backed by a culture that respects your expertise and supports your balance, you will love it here.

Ready to build with us? Apply today! Bay Area Mechanical is an equal opportunity employer.