Mechanical Construction Estimator - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries. 

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. 

Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions. 

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to support the planning and delivery of large-scale construction projects. This role is responsible for preparing mechanical estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, evaluating contractor pricing, and supporting cost planning throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will bring strong estimating fundamentals, technical understanding of mechanical building systems, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates must be physically based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Preference will be given to candidates located in or near San Francisco, CA. Remote work is permitted only from within the United States, and candidates residing outside the U.S. cannot be considered. Candidates based in Pacific or Central time zones are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed mechanical cost estimates for construction projects, including HVAC, chilled water systems, piping, plumbing, and mechanical equipment.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and BIM models.
• Develop accurate labor, material, and equipment pricing aligned with project budgets and delivery strategies.
• Maintain historical cost data, benchmarks, and lessons learned to support future estimates.
• Review contractor and subcontractor pricing to identify scope gaps, cost risks, and value improvement opportunities.
• Support value engineering efforts by evaluating alternative systems and approaches to improve constructability and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to inform project decisions based on cost, schedule, and procurement considerations.
• Identify and assess risks related to material pricing, labor availability, and procurement lead times.
• Account for regional cost variations across U.S. markets, including labor rates and material availability.
• Prepare clear, well-documented estimating deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in cost reviews, procurement discussions, and commercial strategy sessions.
• Support change management by evaluating scope changes and associated cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in mechanical estimating, preconstruction, cost management, or a related construction role.
• Preference would be located in/near San Francisco, CA .
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs, developing estimates, and evaluating contractor or vendor pricing.
• Working knowledge of HVAC and mechanical building systems.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff tools such as Bluebeam, OST, ProEst, Trimble AutoBid, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative project environment.
• Commercial, industrial, manufacturing, mission-critical, healthcare, life sciences, or large-scale construction project experience is preferred.

Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

The base salary range for this role is $110K-$145K. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of the posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, skills,

qualifications

, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.