Project Estimator - Commercial Refrigeration

Job Description

Job Description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

Location: Atlanta, GA (Home Base)
Travel: Up to 25% travel across the Southeast U.S. for site walks, customer meetings, and bid coordination

Company: DHR Mechanical (a Kelso Industries Company)

Supermarket Refrigeration | DX & CO2 | Estimating | Bid Development

DHR Mechanical is a trusted name in commercial refrigeration and HVAC solutions with almost 30 years operating across the Southeast United States (FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, AL) while partnering with regional and national clients in supermarkets, cold storage warehousing, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Backed by Kelso Industries, we are building a team of hands-on leaders who can scale operations, develop field talent, and drive consistent execution across projects.

We are adding an additional Project Estimator to support growth and accuracy for commercial refrigeration construction projects.

You'll generate accurate, complete, and competitive bids for commercial refrigeration construction projects. As the Estimator, you'll own the bid process from invitation through award, including takeoff, labor and material pricing, subcontractor and vendor solicitation, scope clarification, and proposal presentation.

This is a high-impact role with direct influence on win rate, project margin, and DHR's growth across the Southeast.

• Review bid invites, drawings, specs, and contract documents
• Perform detailed takeoffs (piping, equipment, controls, etc.)
• Build accurate labor + material estimates using internal metrics
• Solicit and level subcontractor and vendor quotes
• Coordinate equipment pricing (racks, cases, EMS, condensing units)
• Prepare clear, detailed proposals with defined scope, inclusions, and exclusions
• Submit RFIs and manage addenda / scope clarifications
• Lead turnover meetings to ensure clean handoff to operations
• Track bid results and improve pricing strategy over time

• Supermarket refrigeration installations
• DX and CO2 (R-744) systems
• EMS and controls integration
• Multi-location projects across the Southeast

Required:

• 5+ years in specialty trades roles such as: construction estimating, project coordination, or project management
• Strong background in mechanical systems with a focus on commercial refrigeration (DX, CO2, multiplex racks)
• Ability to read and interpret refrigeration legends, mechanical drawings, specs, electrical schematics, and EMS diagrams
• Experience with takeoff / estimating tools (e.g. PlanSwift, Quickpen, QuoteSoft, FastEst, AutoCAD, Revit, etc.)
• Proven ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously under deadlines
• Strong communication skills (written + verbal)

Preferred:

• Background estimating for national supermarket programs (e.g. Publix, Kroger, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Aldi) or large cold storage / industrial refrigeration accounts
• Prior experience as a refrigeration foreman, journeyman, or service technician before transitioning into estimating
• Hands-on or estimating experience with trans critical CO2 (R-744) installations and DX-to-CO2 conversions.
• Experience pricing low voltage and EMS controls scope (Danfoss, CPC, Emerson E2, Honeywell).
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

• Competitive base salary + bonus
• Vehicle allowance / travel support
• Company phone + Company laptop
• Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
• 401(k) with company match
• Opportunity to grow with a fast-scaling platform backed by Kelso Industries

✔ Estimators who own their numbers and take pride in accuracy

✔ Professionals comfortable balancing technical detail + communication

✔ Individuals who think beyond one bid and want to improve the system

✔ People who can operate in a fast-paced, multi-project environment

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here you will experience:

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business