Field Mechanical Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Field Mechanical Estimator
Job Description

The Field Mechanical Estimator leads full-scope estimating efforts for industrial and commercial mechanical projects, with a strong focus on piping, process mechanical systems, equipment setting, rigging, structural supports, fabrication, maintenance work, and facility upgrades. This role connects practical field installation knowledge with disciplined commercial decision-making, directly influencing project success, company growth, and margin performance. You will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, field leadership, shop and fabrication teams, procurement, safety, finance, and business-line leadership to develop accurate, competitive estimates and support preconstruction excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive estimating efforts for assigned industrial and commercial mechanical projects, including piping, process mechanical systems, equipment setting, rigging, structural supports, fabrication, maintenance work, and facility upgrades.
• Own the complete scope mapping process, including quantity logic, production assumptions, quote coverage, temporary-works allowances, safety and permit assumptions, explicit exclusions, clarifications, and the written basis of estimate.
• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, addenda, P&IDs, piping plans, isometrics, spool drawings, equipment specifications, rigging information, structural details, shop and fabrication requirements, and contract documents to fully define project scope.
• Perform complete material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor takeoffs, determining manpower needs, crew mix, productivity assumptions, crane and lift requirements, tooling, trucking, staging, and overall pricing strategy.
• Conduct system analysis of mechanical systems and process piping, evaluating equipment setting, rigging requirements, access constraints, tie-ins, shutdown windows, sequencing, logistics, constructability, and field execution requirements.
• Complete site walks and field measurements to validate project scope, existing site conditions, access, utilities, safety constraints, and practical installation assumptions.
• Collaborate with engineers, clients, contractors, project managers, field leadership, and business-line leadership to clarify technical requirements, commercial intent, and execution plans.
• Develop accurate and competitive estimates using historical cost data, current market pricing, supplier input, subcontractor quotes, and field productivity feedback.
• Utilize digital takeoff tools, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, estimating databases, and project coordination or field reporting software to prepare detailed estimates and documentation.
• Support strong integration between estimating, operations, field leadership, shop and fabrication teams, procurement, safety, finance, and business-line leadership to ensure alignment between estimates and execution.
• Contribute to the growth of the estimating function by helping to refine standards, procedures, tools, cost history, and review practices.
• Apply sound commercial judgment and execution literacy to balance competitiveness, risk, margin, and field realities when developing estimates.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, presenting assumptions, clarifications, and basis of estimate in a structured, transparent manner.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical field installations, industrial construction, mechanical estimating, or a closely related role.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, process piping, rigging, equipment setting, structural supports, fabrication processes, and shop-to-field coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, P&IDs, piping isometrics, spool drawings, equipment specifications, structural details, rigging plans, and contract documents.
• Demonstrated experience performing quantity takeoffs, labor and equipment planning, site-condition reviews, and field productivity assessments.
• Experience with crane operations, hoisting plans, rigging requirements, heavy equipment coordination, and temporary works (preferred but strongly beneficial).
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, estimating databases, and digital takeoff tools.
• Experience using field reporting, estimating, or project coordination software to support estimating and project planning.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven commercial judgment and execution literacy, with the ability to balance competitiveness, risk, margin, and field realities.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to job sites as needed.

• Mechanically inclined mindset with a strong interest in mechanical, piping, rigging, and industrial construction work.
• Experience in mechanical, construction, and MEP environments.
• Background in digital takeoff and quantity takeoffs for mechanical and piping scopes.
• Hands-on experience with field reporting and project coordination in an industrial or mechanical construction setting.
• Familiarity with fabrication-supported estimating work and shop-to-field coordination processes.
• Additional safety training beyond OSHA 30 is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across estimating, operations, field leadership, shop and fabrication, procurement, safety, finance, and business-line teams.
• Strong commitment to accuracy, transparency, and disciplined commercial decision-making.

This is a field-focused estimating role that combines office-based analysis with regular visits to industrial and commercial job sites. You will work closely with operations, field leadership, shop and fabrication teams, procurement, safety, and finance in a collaborative environment that values practical installation knowledge and disciplined preconstruction practices. The role requires the use of digital tools such as Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, estimating databases, and digital takeoff and field reporting software. You will travel to job sites as needed to conduct site walks, field measurements, and site-condition reviews, working in active construction and industrial environments where safety, coordination with heavy equipment and rigging operations, and clear communication are essential. The culture emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement of estimating standards and tools, and a strong connection between estimating decisions and successful field execution.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pottstown, PA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $40.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Pottstown,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.