Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator

EMCOR Services Automated Controls•Cincinnati, OH

6d•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 Estimator reviews project plans, specifications, and customer requirements to develop comprehensive bids and proposals for new installations, retrofits, and system upgrades. The position also supports business development by maintaining relationships with mechanical contractors, consulting engineers, developers, and strategic partners. The role combines technical knowledge of BAS and HVAC controls with analytical, communication, and organizational skills to support projects from initial pursuit through turnover. The Estimator develops estimates for different project types, including plan-and-spec, design-build, and performance contracts. This includes selecting appropriate control hardware and software, preparing proposals, evaluating bid risks and value engineering opportunities, and helping transition awarded projects to management teams. The role also maintains estimating resources and keeps current with industry trends, pricing, and emerging technologies. The position involves extended periods sitting at a computer and travel to field locations as needed. Field visits may involve outdoor conditions and exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment, varying weather, dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical risks, vibration, and moderate-to-loud noise.

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 integrations with lighting, metering, fire, and security systems.
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.
Strong 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 for healthcare, data centers, higher education, or large portfolios with an energy/performance contracting focus.
Familiarity with LEED or sustainability requirements, fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), 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, addenda, and other project documents to determine 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 suitable control system hardware and software, including platforms such as Tridium Niagara, Automated Logic, Johnson Metasys, and Siemens Desigo CC, and ensure compliance with project specifications and standards.
Identify vendor pricing and value engineering opportunities, risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change-order items to mitigate bid risks and improve competitiveness.
Prepare proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, support project transitions to management teams, and negotiate scope, price, and value engineering requests with clients.
Maintain estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data, and follow BAS industry trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the role and organization.