Mechanical Estimator

EDF Energy Limited; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

EDF Energy Limited is seeking a mechanically biased Estimator to prepare competitive cost estimates for mechanical building services projects associated with the Hinkley Point C program. You will analyse drawings, specifications, and other documents to produce accurate tender submissions, liaising with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure pricing accuracy and robust governance.

Responsibilities include reviewing tender docs, conducting take-offs, and maintaining tender

Qualifications

• Experience as Mechanical Estimator in building services or construction.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and mechanical installations.
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Excel; MCA experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documents (drawings, specs, schedules) for full coverage.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs from mechanical drawings and docs.
• Enter costs into the estimating system and validate data.
• Identify cost risks, opportunities and VE opportunities.
• Lead discussions on project cost risks and prepare authorisation sheets.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Tendering

Cost analysis

Communication

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

MCA systems

Job description

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The HPC Jobs Service supports local people into exciting, long-term careers across our Project.

Hinkley Point C is the UK’s first new build nuclear power station in a generation that is critical to the UK NetZero targets.

All roles on the project require key behaviours which support the Zero Harm objective, a questioning attitude, and drive to uphold the standards of safety and quality required by this prestigious project. A committed strong work ethic is essential at all levels.

All candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and experience where possible directly related to the criteria required for the role. It is acknowledged that previous Nuclear based experience will not always be possible, as such supporting with project research and how individual skills may be transferable will be important.

There are opportunities to put together strategic people plans within the nuclear sector, work on wider company people projects, deliver an excellent first class service to employees and ensure the administration and processes that engulf working life are implemented effectively and fairly.

Summary of Role

As a Mechanically Biased Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing competitive and accurate cost estimates for mechanical building services projects. This includes analysing drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive tender submissions. You will liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure pricing accuracy, identify cost risks and opportunities, and contribute to the successful delivery of quality tender documentation. Your expertise will support the company's goals in securing new business and maintaining high standards of compliance and professionalism throughout the estimating process.

Key responsibilities:

• Review all tender documentation (drawings, specifications, schedules), identifying any missing or additional requirements.
• Thoroughly study all documents to ensure full coverage of the estimate.
• Print and organise necessary documents.
• Attend internal and external meetings as needed; conduct site visits to assess project scope and constraints.
• Maintain accurate filing and records of all tenders.

2. Enquiries

• Coordinate with the bid team to create an enquiry register for subcontractors, suppliers, and specialist mechanical vendors.
• Prepare and distribute enquiry documents, ensuring a minimum of three quotations are received per package where possible.
• Track responses, analyse compliance with project requirements, and maintain detailed records on the enquiry register.
• Evaluate and score subcontractor and supplier quotations following tender submission.

3. Take-Off, Estimation, Risk & Opportunity

• Perform detailed and accurate quantity take-offs from mechanical drawings, schedules, and specifications.
• Measure and price key mechanical services including HVAC, public health, pipework, ventilation, air conditioning, heating, cooling, and associated plant.
• Enter material, labour, plant, equipment, and subcontractor costs into the estimating system.
• Validate all data including material pricing, labour productivity rates, discounts, and cost multipliers.
• Complete cost risk registers and Value Engineering (VE) schedules.
• Ensure correct representation of mechanical and electrical interfaces including BMS controls, power supplies to mechanical plant, and commissioning requirements.
• Identify opportunities for alternative solutions, cost savings, and programme efficiencies.

• Participate in review meetings with the Estimating Manager and Directors.
• Lead discussions relating to project cost risks, exclusions, assumptions, and opportunities.
• Update estimates based on decisions from review meetings.
• Prepare authorisation sheets and supporting documentation for governance and settlement reviews.

• Finalise and cross-check tender summaries and authorisation sheets.
• Draft clarifications, assumptions, and exclusion schedules for inclusion within tender submissions.
• Support bid writers with technical and commercial inputs as required.
• Attend post-tender interviews and meetings.
• Maintain tender tracker records and lessons learned documentation.
• Archive unsuccessful or inactive tenders and ensure all documentation is retained in accordance with company procedures and potential contract requirements.

• Stay current with industry regulations, standards, technologies, and best practices in mechanical building services.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, sustainable building solutions, low-carbon heating systems, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Estimator within the building services or construction sector.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems, with a particular focus on mechanical installations and services.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Competency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel; experience using MCA systems is advantageous.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, tender analysis, and contract documentation.
• Excellent organisational skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills for engaging with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Previous site experience or practical mechanical services background is advantageous.

For this role you must have evidence of right to work in the UK. As a project, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Why Join Us?

For more than 60 years, nuclear power stations in the UK have been quietly keeping Britain fuelled with massive amounts of home-grown energy.

Our teams up and down the country are proudly continuing to serve the nation – but they also have an eye on the future.

EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C and plans for a new power station at Sizewell C in Suffolk.

Nuclear power is the most reliable, low-carbon energy source currently available to the UK. EDF is playing a key role in the development of nuclear sites, while Hinkley Point C will provide low-carbon electricity to meet 7% of the UK demand. The project is already making a positive impact on the local and national economy as well as boosting skills and education.

We’re not just building new nuclear power stations. We’re developing careers, upskilling generations and creating thousands of employment and apprenticeship opportunities across a variety of skills areas.

It takes a special kind of person to work in the nuclear energy industry and although we have thousands of them there’s always a need for more.

Our industry has a mind-boggling range of opportunities and more jobs, and in more places, than you might think. But it’s also an industry which is changing.

We’re a responsible business and proud to be Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity. With size, age and experience, we believe we can do even more.