Process Mechanical Estimator

Job Title: Process Mechanical Estimator
Job Description
This role focuses on developing accurate and detailed cost estimates for large capital construction projects within mechanical, process piping, and related disciplines. The Process Mechanical Estimator supports management with reliable cost data, mentors junior staff, and collaborates closely with engineers and project teams to ensure a clear understanding of project scope. The position also involves maintaining comprehensive project documentation, performing pricing and benchmarking research, and contributing to continuous improvement of estimating processes and tools.
Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints, specifications, and other project documents to prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for mechanical, process piping, and related disciplines.
• Perform precise quantity takeoffs based on available design documents to support comprehensive estimates.
• Obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing information from databases, contractors, suppliers, and other sources to incorporate into estimates.
• Input estimate takeoff information for specific disciplines and develop appropriate unit cost pricing.
• Collaborate with engineers and project stakeholders to develop a clear understanding of project scope during estimate preparation.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with members of architecture and engineering firms and other project team members.
• Assist senior staff in identifying ways to make projects more efficient and cost-effective.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of estimating tasks and processes.
• Maintain project documents, including drawings and specifications, in an organized and accessible manner.
• Maintain project files on the file server in accordance with established company standards and procedures.
• Maintain and update a data library of costs to support current and future estimating efforts.
• Prepare cost reconciliations between two or more estimates and clearly explain variance cost drivers to stakeholders.
• Support bidding activities by contributing accurate estimates and participating in pricing and benchmarking research.
• Provide business support to management by delivering reliable cost data and insights for decision-making.
• Offer guidance and support to junior staff, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused team environment.

Essential Skills

• At least seven years of relevant experience as an estimator in manufacturing and/or mechanical, electrical, or process piping contracting environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Strong background in mechanical estimating, process piping, and MEP-related scopes.
• Proficiency in quantity takeoffs and quantity surveying for construction projects.
• Working knowledge of electronic takeoff tools, including CAD-based measurement solutions such as CAD Measure.
• Working knowledge of a commercially available construction cost estimating system.
• Ability to analyze blueprints and other technical documents to develop detailed cost estimates.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for cost modeling, data analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to use Information Technology tools in daily work, including Internet, Intranet, Microsoft Windows operating systems, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft Project.
• Experience supporting bidding processes and preparing competitive estimates for construction projects.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain project documents, drawings, specifications, and digital files in a structured manner.
• Ability to prepare cost reconciliations and clearly explain cost variances and key cost drivers.
• Well-rounded understanding of construction and engineering practices related to large capital projects.
• Coachable mindset with a willingness to learn, adapt, and improve estimating methods and tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional designations such as RICS, CCE, CCM, AIA, PE, ASPE, AACEI, CVS, AVS, RA, or relevant appraisal licensure are preferred.
• Experience working on large capital construction projects, particularly in advanced manufacturing or semiconductor-related environments.
• Familiarity with estimating software tools used in construction and engineering.
• Experience collaborating with top-tier contractors, consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Exposure to project controls, scheduling, procurement, or third-party quality assurance activities is beneficial.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with engineers, architects, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives and share best practices within the estimating team.

Work Environment
The role supports large, long-term capital construction projects, including advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related facilities, offering stable and ongoing project work. The estimating team operates within a global organization that serves multiple sectors and regions, providing significant opportunities for professional growth and mobility across different projects and locations. The position offers exposure to many leading contractors and consultants in the Portland area and other regions, as well as opportunities to support additional local and regional projects if workload shifts on a particular assignment. The broader project team includes a substantial on-site presence, with around 100 professionals supporting a major semiconductor facility across multiple states. The environment emphasizes collaboration, project controls, scheduling, procurement support, and third-party quality assurance for major contractors. Standard office technologies and tools, including construction cost estimating systems, electronic takeoff software, Microsoft Office, and project management applications, are used regularly. The organization promotes a professional, team-oriented culture with clear standards for document management and file organization. Benefits include paid time off that accrues to approximately three weeks per year and seven paid holidays, reflecting a supportive and balanced work environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hillsboro, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Hillsboro,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.