Mechanical Estimator

Job Title: Mechanical Estimator / Cost Manager – Preconstruction, MEP Cost Management (Data Centers)

Job Description

This experienced Mechanical Estimator / Cost Manager role focuses on developing conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical scopes on large, high-impact preconstruction programs, with a strong emphasis on data center projects. You will shape early-phase budgets, influence cost decisions, and provide clear, reliable cost guidance to clients and internal stakeholders across multiple market sectors. The position combines hands-on estimating, cost consulting, and client-facing responsibilities within a collaborative, growth-oriented project and cost management consultancy.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical scopes across multiple preconstruction projects, with a focus on data centers.

• Support budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, and value engineering throughout early project phases.

• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews on estimates to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project requirements.

• Plan estimating workloads and manage tasks to deliver estimating outputs on time in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Conduct value analysis and value management to optimize scope, cost, and performance for complex mechanical systems.

• Reconcile change orders, invoices, and cost impacts in collaboration with general contractors, subcontractors, and third parties.

• Provide post-contract cost support, including bid analysis, cost validation, and change management for ongoing projects.

• Participate in risk and value management evaluations, identifying cost risks and opportunities and recommending mitigation strategies.

• Mentor and support estimators and estimating technicians, strengthening their technical and procedural knowledge in mechanical and MEP estimating.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships by providing clear communication, reliable cost guidance, and responsive support.

• Prepare client-facing reports, milestone estimates, and executive-ready summaries that clearly communicate cost drivers, assumptions, and risks.

• Engage with internal stakeholders, project controls teams, and leadership to ensure alignment on cost strategies, budgets, and project objectives.

• Participate in peer reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance estimating processes, tools, and standards.

• Stay informed on local market conditions, construction trends, and industry best practices, and incorporate this knowledge into cost estimates and advice.

• Collaborate closely with project teams on bidding, quantity take-offs, and estimation for mechanical and related MEP scopes, including low voltage and electrical interfaces as relevant.

• Interpret and analyze construction schedules and specifications to ensure estimates accurately reflect project phasing, logistics, and scope.

• Support commercial construction projects by providing robust cost consulting and project budget input from early planning through delivery.

Essential Skills

• At least 5+ years of experience in mechanical estimating, ideally gained with a subcontractor or trades-level experience

• Proven experience supporting large, complex construction projects, preferably in data center construction.

• Strong experience in conceptual estimating and early project planning for mechanical and MEP scopes.

• Deep technical understanding of mechanical scopes, systems, and construction methodologies, with familiarity across MEP disciplines.

• Ability to read and interpret construction schedules, drawings, and specifications.

• Advanced proficiency with cost estimating methods, tools, and processes in a construction environment.

• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to build and manage detailed cost models and analyses.

• Comfort and experience with modern estimating and construction software such as Accubid, Bluebeam, and Procore.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client-facing reporting and internal collaboration.

• Ability to analyze incomplete or evolving design information and provide clear, defensible cost guidance and options.

• Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.

• Experience with bidding, quantity take-offs, and estimation for mechanical and related MEP scopes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a cost consultant or quantity surveyor on commercial construction projects.

• Experience in MEP estimating, including electrical and low-voltage scopes, is highly beneficial.

• Experience working on high-impact programs across multiple market sectors, particularly data centers.

• Familiarity with project budgets, cost planning, and feasibility studies for complex building systems.

• Experience participating in risk and value management, value engineering, and value analysis workshops.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support junior estimators and estimating technicians.

• Comfort working with cross-functional project controls and leadership teams in a consultancy environment.

• Interest in continuous learning and professional development through ongoing education platforms and training programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $75.11/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 fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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.