Commercial HVAC/Mechanical Estimator

Kimmel & Associates • Charlotte, NC

5d • $90,000 - $115,000

About The Position

Our client is a well-established mechanical contractor operating across the Southeast, with HVAC and plumbing services for commercial, multifamily, and institutional markets. The company is investing in the growth of its commercial division.

The Commercial Estimator will support expansion of the commercial HVAC business in the Charlotte market and own the estimating and proposal process from bid intake through award. The role works directly with operations and business development to convert opportunities into backlog. The successful candidate will independently manage bid flow, present estimates to internal leadership and clients, and be able to explain and defend estimates. The position offers exposure to senior leadership and a potential advancement path toward preconstruction leadership.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of mechanical or HVAC estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, construction documents, and estimating methodology.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as Bluebeam, Trimble, or similar, and Microsoft Excel.
• Comfort working in a CRM environment to manage a bid pipeline; Salesforce is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly for proposal presentations and negotiation.
• High attention to detail and the discipline to manage deadlines across concurrent bids.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in construction management or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate quantity takeoffs and define scope.
• Prepare cost estimates covering materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead.
• Develop and present bid proposals, including scope breakdowns, clarifications, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Manage bid flow and opportunity tracking through Salesforce, using Bluebeam for takeoffs and markups.
• Solicit, level, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing, and maintain supplier relationships.
• Conduct site visits to assess existing conditions, access constraints, and installation risks.
• Identify cost and schedule risks in bids and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with project management and operations to hand off awarded work and support buyout.
• Collaborate with business development and sales to align pricing strategy with pursuit priorities.
• Use historical cost data and internal benchmarks to improve estimate accuracy.

Benefits

• Incentive compensation tied to bids closed and jobs won.
• Flexible work environment with a remote-friendly policy; remote Fridays are common for someone who can produce independently.
• Comprehensive benefits package; details are provided during the interview process.
• Direct exposure to senior leadership within a division being actively built out.
• Clear advancement path toward preconstruction leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed