Plumbing Estimator

Senior Plumbing Estimator

Our client is a well-established and highly respected mechanical and specialty construction contractor seeking an experienced Senior Plumbing Estimator to join its team in San Diego, CA. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an accomplished estimating professional to contribute to complex commercial plumbing and mechanical construction projects within a collaborative, growth-oriented organization.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the estimating and preconstruction process, preparing detailed and competitive cost estimates, developing bid packages, evaluating subcontractor proposals, and supporting project teams throughout the construction lifecycle. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring accurate project pricing, identifying potential cost risks, and supporting successful project execution.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 5 years of commercial plumbing estimating experience, strong technical knowledge of plumbing systems and construction practices, and proficiency with industry-standard estimating software. This position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage multiple estimating assignments while collaborating with project managers, subcontractors, vendors, and company leadership.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction
  • Prepare comprehensive plumbing and mechanical construction estimates, including detailed cost breakdowns, project budgets, bid packages, and supporting documentation.
  • Manage the estimating process for assigned projects, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project specifications and requirements.
  • Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and related project information.
  • Perform detailed plumbing quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
  • Identify potential scope gaps, drawing discrepancies, project risks, and opportunities for cost optimization.
  • Lead estimating reviews, scope evaluations, and bid coordination meetings.
  • Develop competitive proposals while maintaining appropriate cost controls and project profitability considerations.
• Bid Management & Subcontractor Coordination
  • Prepare subcontractor scopes of work and coordinate requests for pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
  • Review and evaluate subcontractor proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements.
  • Compare vendor and subcontractor pricing to identify cost differences, exclusions, and potential scope gaps.
  • Maintain productive relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
  • Coordinate with internal estimating and operations teams to ensure timely and competitive bid submissions.
• Change Order & Project Support
  • Participate in change order meetings and assist Project Managers with reviewing, validating, and pricing proposed project changes.
  • Prepare supporting cost estimates and documentation for change orders and scope modifications.
  • Provide estimating and pricing support across multiple active construction projects.
  • Collaborate with project management teams to resolve scope, pricing, and constructability questions.
  • Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing documentation, and project cost information.
  • Support the transition from preconstruction to construction by communicating estimate assumptions, scope requirements, and budget considerations.
• Team Leadership & Business Development
  • Mentor and assist in training junior estimators and other estimating team members.
  • Share estimating best practices, technical knowledge, and process improvement recommendations.
  • Collaborate with estimating, project management, operations, and senior leadership to support project and company objectives.
  • Participate in business development initiatives and support the development of new client relationships.
  • Maintain strong professional relationships with existing clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
  • Manage competing priorities and estimating deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Required Experience
  • Minimum 5 years of plumbing estimating experience, preferably within commercial construction or mechanical contracting.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing detailed plumbing construction estimates, project budgets, and competitive bid packages.
  • Strong understanding of commercial plumbing systems, construction materials, labor requirements, and estimating methodologies.
  • Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, subcontractor proposals, and project scope documents.
  • Ability to independently manage estimating assignments from initial document review through final bid submission.
  • Experience supporting change order pricing, scope evaluations, and project cost analysis.
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency with plumbing estimating and takeoff software such as Trimble AutoBid, FastPIPE, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable platforms.
  • Strong knowledge of plumbing quantity takeoffs, material pricing, labor estimating, and subcontractor cost evaluations.
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, and project bid documents.
  • Experience developing subcontractor scopes of work and evaluating vendor and subcontractor proposals.
  • Strong understanding of estimating accuracy, cost control, project budgeting, and bid preparation.
  • Ability to identify scope gaps, pricing discrepancies, and potential project cost risks.
• Professional Skills
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, comprehensive estimates.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with Project Managers, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and senior management.
  • Strong time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines.
  • Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to mentor and support junior estimating professionals.
• Preferred Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent technical training and relevant industry experience will also be considered.
  • Previous experience with a commercial plumbing contractor, mechanical contractor, or specialty construction firm.
  • Experience developing and maintaining client relationships and supporting business development activities.
  • Previous experience mentoring or training junior estimators.
• Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work at a desk for extended periods.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
  • Sufficient visual acuity to review construction drawings, specifications, and digital documents.