Mechanical Estimator

Senior Mechanical Estimator / Cost Manager Preconstruction, MEP Cost Management (Data Centers) This Senior 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. 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 background. Proven experience supporting large, complex construction projects, preferably in data center construction. Strong background 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. Background 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. Work Environment This is a salaried position designed around a standard 40-hour workweek and promotes a healthy work-life balance. The role offers remote flexibility within the United States and aligns you with regional teams. More Senior levels (associate or director) may follow a hybrid model with periodic presence in regional offices in the Northwest (Sacramento/Roseville), Southwest (San Diego), Central (Nashville), Northeast (Manhattan), or Southeast (Miami), depending on project and team needs. You will work within a nationally recognized, top-ten ENR-ranked project and cost management consultancy that delivers complex, high-impact projects across multiple sectors. The environment is collaborative, growth-oriented, and client-focused, where professionals contribute from early planning through project delivery. You will use modern construction and estimating technologies, including Excel, Accubid, Bluebeam, and Procore, and collaborate virtually and in person with project controls teams, leadership, and regional offices. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits structure including paid time off (80 hours PTO plus 8 holidays), 401(k) participation, and access to medical, dental, and vision coverage. You will also have access to an ongoing education platform (such as Udemy) after an initial period, as well as discount and review programs that support professional growth and engagement. Dress expectations are typically professional and may vary between remote work and occasional visits to offices or project-related meetings, aligning with a modern consultancy environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Oswego, OR. 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) 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr