Mechanical Estimator

JR United Kingdom; Dartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the European Data Centre sector is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to join their expanding team in Dartford. This role involves preparing detailed costings for mechanical installations on high-value projects and offers significant opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Exposure to major European data centre projects

Collaborative and supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mechanical estimating.
• Solid understanding of cost rates and budget pricing.
• Experience in high-value project environments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed costings for prefabricated Data Centre packages.
• Conduct mechanical take-offs and produce material and labour costings.
• Collaborate with teams for pricing, reviews, and project assessments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Mechanical schematics interpretation

Time management

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Mechanical estimating software

Job description

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An exciting opportunity has arisen to join an industry leader within the European Data Centre sector as a Mechanical Estimator.

The company specialises in the design, offsite prefabrication, and onsite installation of mechanical and electrical services for new-build Data Centre projects across Europe, with a strong focus on mechanical fit-out and packaged plantroom solutions.

Following sustained growth and increased demand, the company is expanding its Commercial team and is now seeking a Mechanical Estimator to support their pipeline of complex, high-value projects. Annual turnover currently exceeds £70 million, with substantial growth forecasted in line with the booming data centre sector. Project values typically range between £10 million and £25 million, with a solid stream of repeat business from a loyal and expanding client base.

Role Overview

As Mechanical Estimator, you will report to the Estimating Lead and play a key role in the preparation of accurate and detailed costings for prefabricated Data Centre packages. You will be involved from the early stages of bid assessment, through to pricing, handover, and post-project review.

This role is central to the commercial strategy and requires technical insight, commercial acumen, and collaborative working across design, procurement, and delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare tender/enquiry review packs to support bid/no-bid decisions.
• Interpret and review schematics, 3D designs, and specifications for take-offs.
• Complete detailed mechanical take-offs and convert into material and labour costings.
• Cost a wide range of prefabricated mechanical fit-out solutions, including risers, laterals, and bespoke packaged plantrooms.
• Input data into mechanical estimating software for review and analysis.
• Collaborate with the commercial team to calculate labour costs and resource requirements.
• Source and assess quotations from specialist suppliers and subcontractors.
• Attend site meetings with design engineers and contracts managers during pre- and post-contract stages.
• Prepare handover documentation and attend internal meetings post-award to present cost breakdowns.
• Carry out BOQ preparation, quantity take-offs, and unit rate build-ups.
• Support and mentor junior estimators on data centre projects.
• Conduct post-project cost analysis to drive continual improvement.
• Undertake additional tasks as required by management.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Cost Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a mechanical estimating role, ideally including budget pricing, detailed design estimates, and full tender submissions.
• Strong attention to detail and awareness of commercial conditions.
• Solid understanding of labour, plant, and materials cost rates.
• Proficient in interpreting mechanical schematics and producing take-offs.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proactive, organised, and self-motivated with the ability to manage own workload.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-value project environment.
• Competitive salary, based on experience
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Exposure to major European data centre projects
• Collaborative and supportive work environment