Senior Estimator

Tempe Mechanical•Tempe, AZ

25d•$85,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Estimator leads complex HVAC and plumbing pursuits from initial review through proposal and turnover. The role owns project strategy, scope alignment, conceptual and hard-bid pricing, risk identification, and final bid recommendations. It also mentors junior staff, improves estimating standards, and connects preconstruction, operations, business development, and executive leadership. The position includes leading full-scope estimates for complex projects, negotiated work, design-assist efforts, and strategic pursuits; developing bid strategy and pricing approaches; reviewing project documents and contract terms for risks and pricing drivers; directing vendor quote coverage; and preparing estimate recaps, proposals, clarifications, and executive bid reviews. The Senior Estimator also supports budgets, design development pricing, GMP validation, and value engineering, participates in scope and budget discussions, and supports quality project turnover to operations. This position is based at the corporate office at 303 W Elliott Rd, Suite 101, Tempe, Arizona, with occasional travel to job sites for reviews or job walks. The stated annual pay range is $85,000–$105,000, based on skills, experience, performance, and ongoing training attendance.

Requirements

At least 5 years of mechanical, plumbing, or MEP estimating experience with demonstrated success leading complex estimates.
Strong conceptual estimating ability and command of labor, material, equipment, subcontract, and risk-pricing fundamentals.
Advanced skill in takeoff software, recap development, quote leveling, and proposal strategy.
Ability to lead bid reviews, mentor staff, and communicate estimate intent to operations and executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

Experience with design-assist, negotiated work, conceptual budgets, or design-phase pricing.

Responsibilities

Lead full-scope HVAC and plumbing estimates for complex projects, negotiated work, design-assist efforts, and strategic pursuits.
Develop bid strategy, estimate structure, labor approaches, contingency recommendations, and commercial positioning for pursuit leadership review.
Review drawings, specifications, phasing plans, schedules, logistics constraints, and contract terms to identify major risks and pricing drivers.
Direct quote strategy and vendor coverage; level major equipment, subcontract, and specialty pricing to support a complete recommendation.
Prepare and present detailed estimate recaps, proposal language, clarifications, exclusions, alternates, and executive bid reviews.
Support conceptual estimating, ROM budgets, design development pricing, GMP validation, and value-engineering studies.
Lead or support client, GC, and design-team conversations related to scope alignment, assumptions, and budget impacts.
Drive turnover quality by communicating scope intent, bid strategy, procurement risk, and key buyout considerations to operations.
Mentor Junior Estimators and Estimator I staff through review sessions, training, and real-time estimate coaching.
Help improve estimating tools, templates, historical cost data, scope review standards, and department processes.