Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator

EMCOR Services Automated Controls • Lexington, KY

8d • 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 position reviews project plans, specifications, and customer requirements to develop comprehensive 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 role calls for technical knowledge of BAS and HVAC controls, together with strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, to support projects from initial pursuit through turnover.

The estimator reviews project documents and develops detailed take-offs, bills of materials, labor estimates, subcontractor pricing, and cost estimates for plan-and-spec, design-build, and performance-contract projects. The role selects suitable BAS hardware and software, evaluates bid risks and value-engineering opportunities, prepares proposals, supports negotiations, and helps transition awarded work to project management teams. It also maintains estimating resources and keeps informed about industry trends, pricing, and emerging technologies.

The role is based in an environment that involves extended computer work and travel to field locations as needed. Field visits may involve outdoor work and exposure to weather, mechanical and electrical equipment, elevated or precarious locations, airborne particles, chemicals, electrical hazards, vibration, and moderate-to-loud noise.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Two years of experience in estimating or related roles in 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 integrations such as lighting, metering, fire, and security.
• 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 working 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 or training with Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, or Honeywell.
• Experience estimating healthcare, data center, higher education, or large-portfolio projects with an energy or performance contracting focus.
• Familiarity with LEED and sustainability requirements, fault detection and diagnostics, BAS cybersecurity standards, and remote or cloud-based systems.
• Previous field experience in BAS installation, commissioning, or service.
• 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 for installation, commissioning, programming, and project management, subcontractor quotes, and overhead and profit margins.
• Estimate costs for plan-and-spec, design-build, and performance-contract projects.
• Select appropriate control-system hardware and software, ensuring compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Identify bid risks, competitive vendor pricing opportunities, value-engineering opportunities, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change-order items.
• Prepare proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, support the bid lifecycle and project handoff, and negotiate scope, pricing, and value-engineering requests with clients.
• Maintain estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data, and monitor BAS industry trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the role and organization.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Company discounts
• Additional benefits may be available; employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement receive benefits as negotiated in their CBA and may be eligible for a voluntary supplemental union benefits program.

What This Job Offers

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