Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator

EMCOR Services Automated Controls • Lexington, KY

7d • 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 role also supports business development by maintaining relationships with mechanical contractors, consulting engineers, developers, and strategic partners. The position combines technical knowledge of BAS and HVAC controls with analytical, communication, and organizational skills to support projects from initial pursuit through turnover.

The estimator evaluates project documents and develops take-offs, bills of materials, labor estimates, subcontractor quotes, and project pricing. Estimates cover a range of project types, including plan-and-spec, design-build, and performance contracts. The role involves selecting compliant control-system hardware and software, assessing risks and value-engineering opportunities, preparing proposals, and supporting negotiations. It also maintains estimating tools and historical cost data and keeps up with BAS industry trends and emerging technologies.

The position is based in an office environment with travel to field locations as needed. Field visits may involve exposure to outdoor weather, construction-site hazards, and moderate-to-loud noise. The employee may sit for extended periods and must be able to navigate job sites and perform the physical activities described in the posting.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in estimating or a related role 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 system integrations.
• 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 or training from Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, or Honeywell.
• Experience estimating healthcare, data center, or higher-education projects, large portfolios, or projects 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.
• Prior 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, including specified BAS platforms, and ensure compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Identify competitive vendor pricing and value-engineering opportunities, as well as risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change-order items.
• Prepare proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns and support project transitions to management teams.
• Negotiate project 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 to support the role and organization.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Company discounts
• Voluntary supplemental union benefits program may be available to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement

What This Job Offers

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