Process Mechanical Estimator (Mid-level)

Mid-Level Process Mechanical Estimator

Location: Indianapolis, IN (Onsite) / Portland, OR (Remote) / Phoenix, AZ (Remote)

Salary: $100,000-$115,000/year

Job Description:

The Mid-Level Process Mechanical Estimator prepares detailed cost estimates for mechanical and process-related construction scopes. The role supports senior team members by developing budget estimates, reviewing trade pricing, and performing cost reconciliations using project documentation, industry standards, and current market data. The candidate works closely with internal teams, architects, engineers, and trade partners to ensure accurate, fair, and well-supported cost assessments.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Cost Estimating: Prepares detailed cost estimates by analyzing drawings, specifications, and project documentation for mechanical and process scopes.

• Quantity Takeoff: Performs accurate quantity takeoffs using design documents and established estimating practices.

• Pricing Analysis: Sources and validates current labor, material, and subcontractor pricing using industry databases, vendors, and market inputs.

• Cost Benchmarking: Develops “should-cost” estimates to evaluate trade submissions and confirm pricing reasonableness.

• Bid Review: Evaluates trade bids against project scope, market conditions, and budget constraints, identifying variances and risks.

• Reconciliation: Compares and reconciles multiple estimates and explains cost differences in a clear, structured manner.

• Industry Compliance: Applies knowledge of union labor requirements and trade cost standards, including mechanical contracting practices.

• Collaboration: Works with architects, engineers, and project teams to clarify scope and maintain effective working relationships.

• Documentation: Maintains organized estimating files, cost databases, and supporting documentation in accordance with company standards.

• Continuous Improvement: Supports senior staff in identifying process efficiencies and improving estimating accuracy and workflows.

• Field Support: May conduct site visits as required to validate conditions and support estimating accuracy, including occasional client-site travel.

• Team Support: Provides guidance to junior staff on assigned estimating tasks when needed.

• Assignment Ownership: Works within a collaborative environment while independently managing assigned estimating deliverables and making sound technical judgments.

• Travel Requirement: Travels quarterly to Indianapolis, IN if based in Oregon or Arizona, as required by project needs.

• Additional Duties: Performs other related responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Experience: 5–10 years of experience in mechanical, process, or construction estimating roles.

• Estimating Expertise: Well-versed in quantity takeoffs and RSMeans-based estimating methodologies.

• Industry Knowledge: Familiar with mechanical contracting standards and associated practices, including organizations such as MCAA and/or SMACNA.

• Bid Evaluation: Strong experience reviewing and analyzing trade bids for scope alignment and cost accuracy.

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Windows OS, and web-based estimating or project tools.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify cost drivers, and make informed estimating decisions.

• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills for presenting estimates and explaining variances clearly.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.