Estimating Manager, MEP - Data Center

Meta•Reston, VA

2d•$150,000 - $209,000

About The Position

Meta is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager specializing in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems to join our Data Center Design and Construction team. Our data centers form the backbone of Meta's global infrastructure, and accurate, rigorous cost estimating is critical to delivering these large-scale, mission-critical facilities on budget and on schedule. In this role, you will lead MEP cost estimating efforts across the full project lifecycle, from early concept through construction completion, ensuring capital efficiency and informed decision-making for some of the most technically complex building programs in the industry. In this role, you will develop and manage complex program, project, and system-level budgets using historical cost metrics, industry benchmarks, market analytics, and hands-on MEP cost estimating expertise.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in MEP cost estimating for large-scale commercial, industrial, or mission-critical construction projects
Experience developing detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for mechanical and electrical systems in data center or similar critical facility environments
Experience with estimating software platforms such as Timberline/Sage Estimating, WinEst, or equivalent MEP-focused cost tools
Experience in managing and reconciling estimates across multiple concurrent projects and project phases
Experience collaborating with engineering design teams to interpret MEP drawings, specifications, and equipment schedules for cost development
Experience in managing vendor relationships and working with stakeholders, both internal and external, to gather technical project requirements to inform costs

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI network fiber systems
Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize estimating workflows and drive measurable improvements in estimate accuracy and cycle time
Familiarity with LEAN construction principles and their application to MEP prefabrication and modular delivery strategies
Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center MEP systems, including chilled water, direct evaporative cooling, medium-voltage electrical distribution, and backup power infrastructure
Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

Responsibilities

Lead the development of detailed MEP cost estimates for data center projects at all phases, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document stages
Establish and maintain MEP estimating standards, benchmarks, and unit cost databases specific to mission-critical and data center facility types
Evaluate mechanical systems including CRAC/CRAH units, cooling towers, chilled water plants, and air handling systems for accurate quantity takeoff and pricing
Evaluate electrical systems including medium-voltage switchgear, UPS systems, generators, PDUs, and low-voltage distribution for accurate quantity takeoff and pricing
Collaborate with design engineers, construction managers, and procurement teams to validate scope assumptions and identify cost risk areas during pre-construction
Develop and maintain cost models that support value engineering, design alternatives analysis, and lifecycle cost comparisons for MEP systems
Provide independent cost validation and reconciliation against general contractor and subcontractor bids for MEP scopes, including supporting pre-construction teams in negotiations with general contractors for projects that range from $10 million to $10+ billion dollars
Support the development of capital project budgets and rough-order-of-magnitude estimates for portfolio planning and investment decisions
Track and analyze MEP cost trends across the data center portfolio to improve estimate accuracy and inform future project benchmarks
Leverage third party tools and cost consultants to prepare estimates through multiple stages of project development in a fast-paced environment
Develop internal processes and initiatives around cost estimation that leverage internal cost data, resources and current market information from external vendors
Lead cost reviews with Pre-Construction and Project Managers that include 5-10 large complex project designs per year and multiple change orders on a weekly basis