Estimator (Process)

Job Description

Job Description

The Process Project Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost estimates and proposals for MBA Energy & Industrial's Process Division across industrial construction projects. This role owns the RFQ/RFP response process from initial review through proposal submission, including quantity takeoffs, vendor and subcontractor solicitation, scope development, and estimate compilation across civil, mechanical, electrical, and automation disciplines. The Estimator collaborates closely with the Sales Team, Design Team, and Operations to produce estimates that reflect realistic constructability and current market conditions, and supports the successful hand-off of awarded projects to the execution team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and interpret RFP/RFQ packages, contract documents, drawings, specifications, and schedules to define estimate scope and deadlines.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and generate Bills of Materials (BOMs) across civil, concrete, structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and automation scopes.
• Develop cost estimates broken down by division and discipline, including general conditions, rental equipment, unit rates, permitting, and applicable seasonal or site conditions.
• Generate proposals and cost estimates for customers using MBA standard templates, updating text, formatting, terms & conditions, schedule of values, tax requirements, and deposit terms as required.
• Develop scopes of work, inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications for proposals and subcontractor packages.
• Coordinate the generation of general arrangement drawings and design deliverables required for estimate submission.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate quotes from subcontractors and material suppliers to support bid and execution phases.
• Identify and evaluate new vendors and subcontractors for project needs.
• Communicate with owner representatives and provide technical and commercial support to the Sales Team on potential projects.
• Visit potential job sites for project scoping and customer meetings.
• Lead project kick-off meetings for awarded contracts.
• Take detailed notes and publish meeting minutes for coordination and customer meetings.
• Develop preliminary project construction schedules
• Research and recommend construction means, methods, and equipment.

Technical Scope Areas

The Process Project Estimator is expected to develop and integrate estimates covering the following discipline areas typical of MBA process facility projects:

• Civil — earthwork, cut/fill, import, grading, roads, ponds, fencing, culverts, SWPPP, bollards, landscaping.
• Concrete — takeoffs, batch plant costs, rebar, piers, grouting, forming, ground preparation.
• Structural — buildings, structural steel, and specialty construction.
• Mechanical / Piping — Pipe/Valve/Fitting takeoffs, rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, sumps), skid setting, OEM install coordination, welding, commissioning, insulation, and coatings.
• Electrical — installation standards, cable and conduit schedules, transformers, MCCs, overhead power, panel schedules, disconnects, starters and VFDs, lighting, lightning protection, grounding, heat trace, and temporary power.
• Automation & Controls — PLCs, control narratives, instruments, SCADA, cable and conduit requirements, classified area design.
• OEM Equipment — packaged equipment procurement, integration, and installation coordination.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, or related discipline), Construction Management, or equivalent experience in construction cost estimating.
• 1–5 years of construction cost estimating or field experience in industrial process or oil & gas projects.
• Working knowledge of construction principles and practices, particularly in oil & gas or industrial process projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, P&IDs, isometric drawings, electrical single-line diagrams and technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and with customers.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates and priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a proactive, self-motivated approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); advanced Excel skills for takeoffs and cost modeling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing division-code cost estimates and Bill of Materials for multi-discipline construction scopes.
• Familiarity with estimating software and Microsoft Project for schedule development.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or similar technical drawing and markup tools.

Core Competencies

• Cost Estimating and Quantity Takeoffs
• RFP/RFQ Response and Proposal Generation
• Vendor and Subcontractor Solicitation and Management
• Multi-Discipline Scope Development and Coordination
• Technical Review and Constructability Analysis
• Communication and Team Collaboration
• Accountability, Deadline Ownership, and Attention to Detail

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional travel to active job sites and customer facilities for project scoping, site visits, and meetings (approximately 10% travel). The position requires the ability to walk job sites, climb stairs, and occasionally lift or carry light materials. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility as estimate and project demands require.

Compensation and Benefits

MBA Energy & Industrial offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, and a 401(k) plan with company match. The company provides a collaborative work environment with clear growth opportunities and exposure to complex industrial and process facility projects.

MBA Energy & Industrial is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.