Senior Mechanical Estimator

Why Black & Veatch

Join the Black & Veatch Construction team and build with pride . As a 100% employee‑owned company, every role matters — you  own your work, your impact, and your future. We lead with  care , and  safety is non‑negotiable and embedded into every role, site and decision , ensuring our teams return home safe, every day.

From field engineering to project management to quality and startup, you’ll work with cutting‑edge technology, learn from seasoned experts, and grow through real‑world, hands‑on experience. With a strong backlog across power, water, grid, and industrial markets, you’ll have the stability to grow and the opportunity to  shape what comes next.

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Job Summary

The Senior Mechanical Estimator is responsible for oversight and preparation of lump sum, unit rate and cost plus estimates ranging from simple cost analysis to definitive estimates in support of proposals, project controls and project change orders.

Assists in the pre-construction activities and coordinates estimating efforts across multiple disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience, including estimating experience
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Responsibilities

• Prepares cost estimates on proposals, projects and studies and ensure that the content of the estimate is complete, accurate and meets the requirements of the estimate or project plan
• Plan, coordinate, review, verify and analyze all aspects of estimates and estimate presentation
• Responsible for directing, training and developing subordinates
• Helps in the maintenance of the Company estimating database
• Coordinate and review the variable estimating factors in each area with Engineering Operations, Procurement and Construction
• Provides technical advice and assistance to the Project Manager in the preparation of all levels of estimates ranging in scope and complexity from a simple factored or curve type analysis estimate to an extremely complex multi-billion dollar lump sum bid
• Appraises overall accuracy of estimates and recommends contingencies for estimates such as Lump Sum bids, Defined Estimates and Interim Control Estimates
• Ensures the orderly flow of project assignments through his area in keeping with schedules and within manpower budgets
• May assist Estimating leadership with an independent assessment of an estimate's accuracy (upon completion of the estimate and summarization of all detailed man-hours, material, construction and home office costs)
• Recommends detailed estimating procedures and techniques to be utilized in the development of the estimate
• Assists in planning and development of the necessary formal training programs to maintain and improve estimating techniques, procedures and capabilities for both new and experienced personnel
• Maintains familiarity with estimating and cost engineering developments and activities outside the company and assesses their significance, suggesting application to company business where warranted
• Identifies and assesses improvement opportunities which will add value
• Proactively supports, encourages and facilitates staff to engage in continuous improvement activities, while championing change management efforts

Pre-Construction Activities

• Perform Scope Review focusing on:
  • Project Objectives
  • Deliverables
  • Overall Project Requirements
• Perform Site Investigation analysis
• Lead the Pre-Construction/Estimating team in developing preliminary Work Packages
• Work with Project Controls and the Project Execution Team to develop the Project P6 Schedule
• During the Scope Review and the work Package development, identify and communicate any Value Engineering opportunities for consideration by the Project Execution team
• During the Development of Project Work Packages perform a risk assessment and participate in mitigation strategy discussions
• Participate in the Preliminary EHS planning sessions focusing on site specific considerations
• Participate in Site Logistic conversations and provide input as to what effect this may have on Construction
• Participate in the initial, and subsequent, discussion surrounding the QAQC program and the effects on Construction it may have

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS graduate in Construction Management or related field is preferred
• Field experience (2+ yrs)
• Project experience (2+ yrs)
• Cost control and scheduling exposure is a plus

Preferred Skills:

• Complex estimating principles and practices including conceptual estimating
• Track new developments both internal and external to the firm
• Cost engineering
• Mathematical skills
• Project design scopes
• Consulting skills
• Planning skills
• Analytical skills
• Coordination and maintenance of the Company estimating database
• Supervision experience
• Development of subordinates
• Interpret and understand specifications and contracts
• Microsoft Office 365
• Microsoft CoPilot 365
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Assist in the planning and development of formal training programs

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Typical office environment. Travel as required.

Compensation Transparency

In accordance with local requirements, the annual compensation ranges for this role are listed below by state or jurisdiction and reflect the applicable office location(s) within each. Final compensation is determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

$116,000 - $193,000