Mechanical Estimator

Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation•North Salt Lake, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Estimator plays a central role in the development and pricing of industrial and mechanical construction opportunities. This position is responsible for turning project requirements, drawings, specifications, and other available information into accurate, competitive, and well-supported project budgets and bids. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of mechanical construction and the ability to evaluate how a project will actually be built - not simply what is shown on the drawings. The Mechanical Estimator will work across departments to develop execution strategies, evaluate risk, establish project costs, and support the company’s pursuit of new work. Assignments may include projects ranging from smaller mechanical scopes to complex industrial projects up to $25 million, depending on the project delivery method, scope, and level of self-performance.

Requirements

Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in industrial, mechanical, or heavy construction estimating.
Demonstrated experience developing estimates for complex mechanical or industrial projects.
Previous experience functioning in a lead or estimating capacity.
Strong ability to interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, piping isometrics, specifications, and engineering documents.
Experience utilizing InEight Estimate or similar construction estimating software.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or comparable scheduling software.
Strong understanding of construction labor, productivity, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and construction means and methods.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple active pursuits and deadlines.
Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with field and office personnel.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with self-performed mechanical construction.
Background in industrial piping, equipment installation, structural steel, civil/concrete, or related construction disciplines.
Experience with Design-Build and Design-Assist delivery models.
Experience estimating projects with values of $50 million or greater.
Experience preparing conceptual budgets and ROM estimates.
Experience working in energy, mining, refining, manufacturing, chemical, or other heavy industrial markets.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of assigned estimates from initial document review through final bid submission.
Analyze plans, specifications, scopes of work, contracts, and other project information to establish the overall requirements of the work.
Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for mechanical, piping, equipment, and associated construction scopes.
Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, and other project expenses.
Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure pricing accurately reflects the required scope.
Develop estimate assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, allowances, and contingencies.
Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, and potential cost exposures before the bid is finalized.
Develop and maintain organized estimate structures that allow project costs to be reviewed and understood throughout the bidding process.
Manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Review and interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, mechanical plans, equipment layouts, specifications, and related engineering documentation.
Apply practical knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, productivity, and field conditions when developing estimates.
Evaluate the appropriate balance between self-performed work and subcontracted activities.
Consider related scopes such as civil and concrete, structural steel, equipment setting, piping, and other industrial construction requirements.
Review projects for constructability issues and identify potential impacts to cost, schedule, manpower, and execution.
Incorporate Design-Build and Design-Assist requirements into estimating and project execution strategies when applicable.
Develop and maintain estimates using InEight Estimate and other company-approved estimating tools.
Maintain accurate databases, quantity information, labor rates, productivity assumptions, equipment costs, and historical pricing.
Use Excel and other Microsoft Office applications to perform cost analysis, develop tracking tools, and present estimating information.
Assist with preliminary manpower planning, project schedules, and resource requirements using Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or comparable scheduling software.
Ensure estimating information is properly documented and can be clearly supported during management and client reviews.
Work closely with Business Development to evaluate opportunities and develop preliminary project budgets.
Participate in project pursuit meetings, site walks, client meetings, pre-bid conferences, and scope reviews.
Coordinate with Operations, Project Management, Procurement, and other internal groups to develop practical project execution strategies.
Participate in estimate review and bid strategy discussions as required.
Prepare and track RFIs and coordinate responses to ensure outstanding questions are addressed before bid submission.
Follow established estimating procedures, bid checklists, and review requirements.
Share lessons learned, historical cost information, and field experience to continuously improve estimating practices.
Provide support and guidance to less-experienced estimating personnel when needed.
Preparing conceptual estimates and ROM budgets for potential clients and projects.
Reviewing preliminary scopes and identifying major cost drivers.
Providing input on project feasibility, execution strategies, schedule considerations, and potential risks.
Supporting proposal development and client presentations.
Assisting Business Development in determining appropriate pursuit strategies and pricing approaches.
Building relationships with vendors, subcontractors, clients, and other industry partners.
Identify project-specific risks and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures into the estimate.
Evaluate labor availability, productivity, material lead times, subcontractor coverage, escalation, and other factors that could influence project cost.
Develop preliminary cash flow projections and resource requirements when needed.
Assist in evaluating project schedules and their potential impact on cost and execution.
Review commercial terms and contract requirements for estimating impacts.
Clearly document assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and areas of uncertainty.
Provide management with a clear understanding of the opportunities, risks, and financial considerations associated with each pursuit.
Coordinate final estimate reviews prior to submission.
Confirm that pricing and scope align with the bid documents and contractual requirements.
Ensure proposal requirements, bid forms, qualifications, clarifications, and exclusions are complete and accurate.
Verify that subcontractor and supplier coverage adequately represents the project scope.
Ensure bids are submitted accurately and within established deadlines.
Participate in the transition from estimating to project execution and provide Operations and Project Management with the information necessary for a successful project turnover.