Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator
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 bids and proposals for new installations, retrofits, and system upgrades. The role also supports business development by maintaining relationships with mechanical contractors, consulting engineers, developers, and strategic partners. The ideal candidate brings technical knowledge of BAS and HVAC controls systems, along with analytical, communication, and organizational skills to support projects from initial pursuit through turnover. The position involves estimating costs for plan-and-spec, design-build, and performance-contract projects; selecting appropriate controls hardware and software; preparing proposals; and helping transition awarded projects to management teams. The role also contributes to estimating process improvements and keeps up with BAS industry trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies. The work involves extended periods sitting at a computer, with travel to field locations as needed. Field visits may involve outdoor conditions and exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment, weather, dust, chemicals, and varying noise levels.
Requirements
- Associate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- At least 2 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 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.
- 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 with an energy/performance contracting focus.
- Familiarity with LEED and 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, 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 Tridium Niagara, Automated Logic, Johnson Metasys, Siemens Desigo CC, and BACnet-based systems, and ensure compliance with project specifications and standards.
- Identify competitive vendor pricing and value-engineering opportunities, and assess bid risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change-order items.
- Support the bid lifecycle by preparing proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, negotiating scope, price, and value-engineering requests, and transitioning projects to management teams.
- 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
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Voluntary supplemental union benefits may be available to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
