Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator

EMCOR Services Automated Controls • Columbus, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

DeBra-Kuempel is seeking a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for building automation projects. The role reviews and interprets project plans, specifications, and customer requirements to develop bids and proposals for new installations, retrofits, and system upgrades. It also supports business development by maintaining relationships with mechanical contractors, consulting engineers, developers, and strategic partners. The position requires technical knowledge of BAS and HVAC controls systems, alongside analytical, communication, and organizational skills, to support project success from initial pursuit through project turnover.

The estimator reviews project documents and performs detailed take-offs of BAS components, then develops bills of materials, labor estimates, subcontractor quotes, and project pricing. The role supports different project delivery types, selects appropriate control hardware and software, evaluates risks and value-engineering opportunities, prepares proposal scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, and assists with negotiations. It also maintains estimating tools and historical cost data and tracks industry trends and technologies.

The role is based in an environment that includes extended periods working at a computer and travel to field locations as needed. Field visits may involve outdoor conditions, mechanical and electrical equipment, heights, airborne particles, chemicals, weather extremes, electrical hazards, vibration, and moderate-to-loud noise. Physical requirements include sitting, seeing, talking, hearing, using hands, walking, reaching, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must be able to navigate job sites; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Two years of experience in estimating or related roles within building automation systems, HVAC controls, DDC, or the smart buildings industry.
• Strong technical understanding of BAS platforms, protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and LON, control sequences, mechanical and electrical systems, and system integration.
• Proficiency with take-off and estimating tools or software, such as Bluebeam, and ERP/CRM systems.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, labor rates, material pricing, and project delivery methods in commercial and industrial sectors.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy under deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with sales teams, customers, engineers, and vendors.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and control drawings.

Nice To Haves

• Manufacturer-specific certifications or training, such as Niagara Certification, Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, or Honeywell.
• Experience estimating healthcare, data center, or higher-education projects, or large portfolios focused on energy/performance contracting.
• Familiarity with LEED and sustainability requirements, fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), BAS cybersecurity standards, and remote or cloud-based systems.
• Previous BAS installation, commissioning, or service field experience.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage, union labor, or public-sector bidding processes.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret architectural, mechanical, and electrical plans, specifications, sequences of operation, RFPs, and addenda to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed take-offs for BAS components, including controllers, sensors, actuators, valves, dampers, wiring, software, and programming hours.
• Develop bills of materials, labor estimates, subcontractor quotes, and estimates of overhead and profit margins.
• Estimate costs for plan-and-spec, design-build, and performance-contract projects.
• Select control-system hardware and software appropriate to project specifications and standards, including BAS platforms and BACnet-based systems.
• Identify vendor pricing opportunities, value-engineering opportunities, bid risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change-order items.
• Prepare proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns and support project transition to management teams.
• Negotiate scope, price, and value-engineering requests with clients.
• Maintain estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data.
• Track BAS industry trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for non-union employees, including health benefits, paid time off, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, company discounts, and more.
• Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement receive benefits negotiated under their specific CBA and may be eligible for a voluntary supplemental union benefits program.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree