Preconstruction Engineer 1

Job Description

Job Description

The Estimator supports HBT’s growth by developing accurate, well‑documented cost estimates and scopes of work for building automation projects and service opportunities, based on direction from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers. This role provides the financial and scope foundation for pursuits without independently defining strategy or value, and offers a strong platform for future growth into roles such as Inside Sales Engineer, Outside Sales Engineer, or Project Management, depending on business needs and individual performance and interests. This is an in-office position.

Core Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, addenda, and related documents to understand the defined scope and basis of design for building automation work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (devices, controllers, panels, wiring quantities where applicable, labor units, and subcontractor needs) in alignment with the intent and approach defined by Inside and Outside Sales Engineers.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, subcontractors, and other project costs using company standards, historical data, and approved estimating tools.
• Prepare clear estimate back‑up, including bill of materials, labor summaries, and documented assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions, so Inside and Outside Sales Engineers can build compelling proposals and pricing strategies.
• Work closely with Inside and Outside Sales Engineers to confirm the estimating basis (scope boundaries, alternates, preferred vendors, risk areas, and value‑engineering options) before and after each major estimate.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations (including primary wiring subcontractors where applicable), ensuring clarity of scope, alignment with project documents, and consistency with the overall estimate.
• Participate in internal review cycles (estimate reviews, peer checks, and turnover discussions) with sales, operations, and, when appropriate, leadership to validate completeness, accuracy, and risk.
• Assist Inside Sales Engineers with assembling internal estimate packages and customer‑facing proposal inputs (scope narratives, options pricing, alternates) while leaving final value messaging and pricing strategy to the sales team.
• Support revision of estimates for scope changes, addenda, and value‑engineering ideas identified by the sales team or customers, updating quantities, labor, and pricing as required.
• Maintain organized estimating files, unit cost libraries, and takeoff standards to drive consistency, repeatability, and continuous improvement in estimating practices.
• Collaborate with project management and operations during handoff as requested, helping explain quantities, assumptions, and scope boundaries to support successful execution.

Team and Development Focus

• Work as an integral part of the regional sales and operations team, responding to estimating requests from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers according to agreed priorities and timelines.
• Seek regular coaching from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers and project/operations leaders on solution approaches, customer expectations, and how estimates support the overall pursuit and execution plan.
• Proactively build knowledge of HBT’s building automation offerings, HVAC systems, cost drivers, and common application/design approaches to improve estimating quality and prepare for future advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with a growth‑oriented role: curiosity, openness to feedback, and a willingness to take on increasing responsibility as skills and business needs evolve.

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors

• Degree or coursework in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent experience in HVAC, BAS, or construction estimating considered.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and detail‑orientation skills for takeoffs and cost build‑ups.
• Basic understanding of HVAC and/or building automation systems with the desire and capacity to deepen technical knowledge.
• Proficiency with Excel, basic estimating or takeoff tools (for example, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar), and comfort learning company estimating systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document assumptions, coordinate with vendors/subcontractors, and collaborate with Inside and Outside Sales Engineers and project teams.
• Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team‑oriented mindset with a strong internal customer service focus toward the sales and operations teams.

Performance Metrics

• Accuracy of estimates, as reflected in variance between estimated and actual job costs and in feedback from operations and sales.
• Timeliness of estimate completion relative to bid dates and internal milestones agreed with Inside/Outside Sales Engineers.
• Completeness and clarity of estimate documentation (takeoff back‑up, assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, vendor/subcontractor coverage).
• Responsiveness and collaboration with Inside Sales Engineers, Outside Sales Engineers, and project/operations teams.
• Demonstrated growth in technical knowledge and estimating proficiency and readiness for potential advancement into broader commercial or project responsibilities, as aligned with organizational needs.