Mechanical Estimator

Company Overview

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions. We design and deliver custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Our fully vertically integrated approach encompasses engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions. We provide world-class custom solutions for our customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, data center, and mission-critical markets.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive estimates and supporting the development of mechanical solutions for complex industrial projects, with a particular focus on pharmaceutical, data center, and other mission-critical applications.

This position is ideal for an engineering professional with a strong technical foundation who is interested in developing expertise in mechanical estimating and industrial design-build projects.

The successful candidate will apply their engineering knowledge to evaluate mechanical systems, interpret project requirements, develop cost estimates, and support the creation of practical solutions for unique or non-standard applications. Prior estimating experience is not required, as training and mentorship will be provided.

Innovative operates in a fast-paced design-build environment where projects frequently begin with early-stage customer concepts that are developed into fully functional solutions. The Mechanical Estimator will work closely with experienced estimators, Engineering, and other internal teams to develop these concepts into sufficiently defined mechanical solutions to support accurate estimating and proposal generation.

Essential Responsibilities

Mechanical Estimating & Concept Development

• Develop accurate, competitive estimates for industrial mechanical and design-build projects with guidance from experienced estimators and Engineering.
• Evaluate customer requirements and early-stage concepts to help determine mechanical system approaches, equipment selections, quantities, and project scope.
• Develop technical knowledge of chillers, process piping, boilers, hydronic systems, compressors, condensing systems, pumping systems, and mechanical system integration.
• Work with Engineering to develop conceptual solutions based on customer requirements.
• Review drawings, specifications, P&IDs, equipment schedules, bid documents, and other technical information to determine project requirements.
• Prepare labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, manufacturing, and installation estimates, including material takeoffs and vendor/subcontractor pricing.
• Identify project risks, assumptions, exclusions, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and value engineering opportunities.
• Support the development of estimates that accurately reflect project scope, execution requirements, pricing strategy, and profitability expectations.

Electrical Scope Coordination

• Review electrical drawings, specifications, equipment requirements, and subcontractor scopes to identify electrical requirements and interfaces with mechanical systems.
• Coordinate with internal electrical resources, vendors, and subcontractors to incorporate electrical pricing and scope into overall project estimates.

Design-Build & Proposal Support

• Collaborate with Engineering, Business Development, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Construction throughout estimating and proposal development.
• Assist in developing scopes of work, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting proposal documentation.
• Participate in estimate and proposal reviews to develop an understanding of project costs, technical requirements, and estimating methodologies.
• Maintain estimating documentation and historical cost information to support estimating accuracy and continuous improvement.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of relevant engineering or technical experience, preferably involving industrial mechanical systems, equipment, piping, HVAC, process cooling, or related applications.
• Strong technical aptitude and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, understand mechanical systems, and develop practical solutions.
• Foundational understanding of engineering principles, mechanical equipment, and industrial systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, and related engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn estimating software and related technical tools.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Construction, and other technical teams.
• Willingness to learn mechanical estimating practices, construction cost development, and design build project delivery.

Qualifications Preferred

• Previous experience in mechanical estimating, project engineering, applications engineering, mechanical design, or a related technical role.
• Experience with industrial mechanical systems such as HVAC, chillers, boilers, process piping, hydronic systems, pumping systems, or process equipment.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, data center, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, or other mission-critical industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with electrical systems and their integration with mechanical equipment.
• Experience working for a mechanical contractor, industrial contractor, engineering firm, or design build organization.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, or similar software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position, seated or standing, for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Innovative offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, work-life balance, and professional growth.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Dollar-for-dollar company match up to 15%.
• Student Loan Retirement Match: Earn company retirement contributions while paying down student loans.
• Medical Insurance: 75% of medical premiums paid by Innovative, with three PPO plan options and family coverage.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage options for employees and their families.
• Free Virtual Healthcare: 24/7 access to Teladoc physicians, plus virtual primary care services.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company-paid coverage with additional voluntary insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Supplemental Insurance: Accident, critical illness, cancer, and hospital indemnity coverage options.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off that increases with every year of service.
• Paid Holidays and Sick Leave: Company-paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave.
• Weekly Pay
• Employee Referral Program: Earn rewards for referring qualified candidates.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for technical training, continuing education, apprenticeship programs, and career advancement.
• Employee Discounts: Access to discounts on products, services, travel, and entertainment.
• Join Innovative Refrigeration Systems and become part of a growing team committed to innovation, excellence, and delivering industry-leading solutions. Apply today to build your career with a company that values its people and provides opportunities for long-term professional growth.