Estimator - HVAC

D&E Air Conditioning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative culture

Career development

Competitive salary

Industry professionals

Job summary

D&E Air Conditioning in Melbourne is seeking a commercially minded estimator with HVAC expertise to help develop cost-effective solutions from concept to tender.

You will interpret docs, perform heat load calculations, select equipment, and develop Design & Construct estimates while engaging with clients and consultants to ensure value and design intent.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within HVAC, mechanical services or construction.
• Ability to interpret architectural, mechanical and technical documentation.
• Strong cost planning, quantity take-off and analytical skills.
• Identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining design intent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for HVAC projects.
• Review architectural and engineering documentation to develop practical Design & Construct solutions.
• Undertake budget estimates, quantity take-offs and detailed cost analysis.
• Complete heat load calculations and air and water-side pressure drop calculations.
• Select equipment to meet design, performance and spatial requirements.
• Work closely with clients and consultants to understand design intent, project requirements and budget expectations.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare comprehensive tender submissions and supporting documentation.
• Identify value management opportunities and alternative solutions that deliver better project outcomes.
• Attend site inspections, tender interviews and contract review meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.

Skills

Estimating experience

HVAC knowledge

Cost planning

Quantity take-offs

Analytical skills

Value engineering

Communication

Project coordination

Documentation interpretation

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

At D&E Air Conditioning, our people are at the centre of everything we do. As one of Australia’s leading mechanical services contractors, we offer the opportunity to work on some of the country’s most complex and high-profile projects while being supported by a collaborative, safety-first, and team-oriented culture.

With over 35 years of industry success and a national workforce of more than 900 employees, we are committed to long-term career development, continuous learning, and recognising the contribution our people make every day. Join a business where stability, innovation, and genuine career progression go hand in hand.

About The Role

This is more than a traditional estimating role. You’ll be involved from the early stages of a project, combining your HVAC technical knowledge, engineering capability and commercial understanding to develop practical, cost-effective solutions for a diverse range of projects.

Working closely with clients, consultants, engineering, drafting and project teams, you’ll take ownership of the estimating process—from interpreting project requirements and developing design solutions through to cost planning, tender submissions and client engagement.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for HVAC and mechanical services projects.
• Review architectural and engineering documentation to develop practical Design & Construct solutions.
• Undertake budget estimates, quantity take-offs and detailed cost analysis.
• Complete heat load calculations and air and water-side pressure drop calculations.
• Select equipment to meet design, performance and spatial requirements.
• Work closely with clients and consultants to understand design intent, project requirements and budget expectations.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare comprehensive tender submissions and supporting documentation.
• Identify value management opportunities and alternative solutions that deliver better project outcomes.
• Attend site inspections, tender interviews and contract review meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.

About You

You’ll be a commercially minded and technically capable estimator who understands that successful Design & Construct estimating requires more than simply pricing a set of drawings.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Proven estimating experience within HVAC, mechanical services or the broader construction industry.
• A strong understanding of HVAC systems, engineering principles and construction methodologies.
• The ability to interpret architectural, mechanical and technical documentation.
• Experience developing Design & Construct solutions and estimating projects from concept or preliminary documentation.
• Strong cost planning, quantity take-off and analytical skills.
• The ability to identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining design intent and project requirements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills when working with clients, consultants, suppliers and internal teams.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines.
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline would be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built — one that values teamwork, accountability, innovation, and genuine collaboration. We foster an environment where ideas are welcomed, contributions are recognised, and people are empowered to take ownership and grow their careers.

What We Offer

• Collaborative, team-oriented, and people-focused culture
• Long-term career growth and professional development opportunities
• Competitive salary package and employee benefits
• Opportunity to work with skilled industry professionals in a high-performing environment

D&E is an equal opportunity employer and encourages indigenous Australians to apply. We promote inclusiveness, cultural diversity, gender equality and non- discrimination. To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work permanently in Australia.