Senior Data Center Estimator

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc•Sterling, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions. Our teams support projects across mission-critical facilities, commercial office, healthcare, higher education, government, multifamily, hospitality, and other complex environments. As VMG continues to expand its presence in the data center and mission-critical market, we are looking for an experienced Senior Data Center Estimator to help lead strategic pursuits and develop competitive mechanical estimates for some of our most complex opportunities. This role is ideal for an experienced mechanical estimator who understands the unique demands of hyperscale, colocation, and mission-critical construction and wants to play an important role in the continued growth of VMG's data center business.

Requirements

8+ years of mechanical estimating experience
5+ years of experience estimating data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial projects
Strong understanding of commercial HVAC, chilled water, condenser water, hydronic piping, plumbing, process piping, and related mechanical systems
Experience estimating hyperscale, colocation, mission-critical, or similarly complex facilities
Strong experience with conceptual estimating, design-build/design-assist projects, and GMP development
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documentation
Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, and mechanical construction cost drivers
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to manage multiple complex estimates and deadlines
Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working for a commercial mechanical contractor
Experience estimating hyperscale or colocation data centers
Knowledge of BIM/VDC workflows and constructability review processes
Experience working with complex mechanical equipment packages and mission-critical infrastructure
Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, Trimble, QuoteSoft, FastPIPE, or similar estimating and construction platforms
Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other Estimators
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered

Responsibilities

Lead detailed mechanical estimates for large-scale data center and mission-critical construction projects
Manage estimating efforts from conceptual budgeting and early design through final proposal submission
Develop estimates for conceptual, design-build, design-assist, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid opportunities
Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, hydronic piping, process piping, and related mechanical systems
Analyze drawings, specifications, contract documents, and design information to establish project scope and pricing strategy
Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and vendor pricing for complex mechanical scopes
Identify project risks, scope gaps, opportunities, and potential cost impacts throughout the estimating process
Develop value-engineering alternatives and cost-saving solutions without compromising project requirements
Evaluate labor productivity, equipment requirements, material costs, and construction sequencing
Maintain current knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and market conditions
Utilize historical project data and benchmarking to strengthen estimating accuracy
Support pricing and pursuit strategies for strategic data center opportunities
Partner closely with Preconstruction, Engineering, VDC, Project Management, Operations, and Executive Leadership
Participate in design-assist and design-build preconstruction efforts
Support constructability reviews and evaluate design development throughout the preconstruction process
Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to develop complete and competitive pricing
Support successful project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations
Incorporate lessons learned and project performance information into future estimates
Assist with proposal development, scope narratives, clarifications, qualifications, and client presentations
Participate in client meetings, bid reviews, and project pursuit discussions
Support strategic planning related to VMG's continued expansion within the data center market
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, manufacturers, subcontractors, and industry partners
Provide estimating insight during early project development and pursuit decisions
Provide technical guidance and support to junior Estimators and other Preconstruction team members
Review estimates and takeoffs for accuracy, completeness, and consistency
Share data center estimating knowledge and industry best practices across the team
Contribute to the development of estimating standards, processes, tools, and historical cost databases
Help strengthen VMG's internal expertise in mission-critical mechanical construction

Benefits

Competitive compensation based on experience
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Flexible work schedule
Hybrid work environment
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Company-paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Paid time off and company holidays
Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities
The opportunity to work on complex, high-profile mission-critical projects
A collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise makes an impact