Estimator

CareerPaths NW•Kent, WA

About The Position

Our client is a full-service HVAC, building automation, chiller, and retrofit contractor that provides consulting services and customized energy solutions to commercial clients. The company offers turnkey in-house capabilities, design assistance, engineering applications, and automated control systems. The company is seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to support its commercial HVAC and mechanical retrofit business. This strategically important, succession-focused role includes a structured transition period working alongside a tenured team member. The successful candidate will become familiar with established customers, estimating standards, and internal processes before taking full ownership of the estimating function.

Requirements

Previous experience estimating commercial HVAC, mechanical construction, or mechanical retrofit projects.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, plans, specifications, and equipment schedules.
Practical understanding of commercial HVAC equipment and mechanical system operation.
Experience conducting site walks and estimating projects from existing field conditions.
Ability to develop mechanical scopes and solutions when complete construction documents are unavailable.
Knowledge of equipment, materials, labor requirements, subcontractor scopes, and mechanical installation methods.
Experience preparing proposals, budgets, takeoffs, and detailed estimates.
Strong communication skills when working with customers, end users, vendors, Account Managers, and field personnel.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and related estimating or construction software.
Strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and problem-solving ability.
Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously and meet proposal deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a commercial HVAC contractor.
Experience with a mechanical contractor.
Experience with an HVAC service and retrofit contractor.
Experience with a design-build mechanical contractor.
Experience with a building automation or controls contractor.
Experience with a chiller or central-plant service provider.
Experience with a commercial HVAC equipment manufacturer or representative.
Experience in mechanical project engineering or project management.

Responsibilities

Review and interpret customer drawings, plans, specifications, equipment schedules, and other construction documents.
Conduct site walks to assess existing equipment, field conditions, project requirements, and potential installation challenges.
Meet with customers, buyers, facility representatives, and end users to understand operational needs and project objectives.
Develop mechanical solutions for HVAC replacements, retrofits, repairs, upgrades, and related building systems.
Prepare detailed estimates covering equipment, materials, piping, sheet metal, subcontractors, labor, and project-related expenses.
Create clear and accurate scopes of work, proposals, budgets, and supporting estimate documentation.
Identify project assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, risks, and scope gaps.
Request and evaluate pricing from equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Collaborate with Account Managers and engineering personnel to develop competitive, technically sound solutions.
Review estimates and proposals for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and profitability before submission.
Assist with equipment selections, project schedules, value engineering, and alternative solutions.
Participate in proposal reviews, customer meetings, and project handoffs to operations.
Maintain accurate estimating records and update pricing based on current labor and material costs.
Support change-order pricing and scope revisions as needed.
Build strong working relationships with customers, vendors, field personnel, and internal departments.