Process Mechanical Estimator

The Walsh Group - Walsh Construction & Archer Western•Indianapolis, IN

25d

About The Position

Walsh is seeking a Process Mechanical Estimator for its water division in Louisville, Kentucky. The role develops accurate, competitive, and timely proposals and estimates for heavy civil and industrial projects, focusing primarily on process mechanical systems and process equipment. The estimator supports responsive bidding through precise estimates for piping, instrumentation, and equipment scopes. Senior estimators in this track are subject matter experts in specialized industrial trades or are developing toward lead estimator responsibilities on major mechanical-heavy projects. The role involves reviewing plans, P&IDs, and technical specifications; preparing quantity takeoffs and pricing; assessing constructability; soliciting and comparing vendor and subcontractor proposals; and developing estimates for different project delivery systems. It also supports post-bid buyouts and vendor negotiations, engages with suppliers and regional subcontractors, and helps ensure compliance with contract requirements for diversity and specialized manufacturing certifications. Travel to project sites, fabrication shops, and regional offices is required for projects bidding across different regions. Walsh describes itself as a fourth-generation, family-owned, fast-growing company combining a small-company feel with large-company backing. It emphasizes challenging work, innovative problem-solving, supportive managers, and opportunities for growth, training, development, and career progression. The role may be eligible for a bonus and other benefits. Base pay depends on factors including training, transferable skills, experience, business needs, and market demands; no salary range is specified.

Requirements

At least 10 years of mechanical estimating or construction experience, or a relevant college degree such as Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management plus at least 5 years of specialized experience.
Strong background estimating industrial process piping, pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, or wastewater/water treatment process equipment.
Deep understanding of process equipment market conditions, volatile material costs such as stainless steel and specialized alloys, and vendor lead times.
Advanced understanding of industry-standard estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid or WinEst and digital takeoff tools.
Ability to work independently on dedicated mechanical scopes while coordinating with the Lead Estimator and multidisciplinary bidding teams.
Ability to identify subtle but important scope gaps or differences in complex technical subcontractor and vendor quotations.
Effective presentation skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Review complex project plans, P&IDs, and technical specifications to understand process mechanical scopes, labor requirements, and specialized equipment costs.
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and production-based pricing for self-perform process piping, mechanical systems, and unit-price estimates.
Review bid documents and equipment data sheets to assess constructability, spatial constraints, rigging requirements, and material compatibility.
Solicit process equipment manufacturers and specialized mechanical subcontractors, and conduct technical discussions with them.
Prepare bid packages, compare and align vendor quotes, and analyze supplier workload and performance.
Prepare process-heavy estimates for delivery systems such as Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and Hard Bid, working collaboratively with the project management team.
Assist project teams with post-bid mechanical buyouts and vendor negotiations.
Initiate and participate in meetings and presentations with process equipment suppliers, fabricators, and regional mechanical subcontractors.
Understand and ensure compliance with contract requirements for diversity and specialized manufacturing certifications.
Travel to project sites, fabrication shops, and regional offices for projects currently bidding across different regions.