Aero TAB Estimator

The Hill Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aero Performance Group is seeking a detail-oriented TAB Estimator to support growth in its TAB business. You will review plans, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to prepare accurate cost estimates and proposals for commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, laboratory, and mission-critical projects.

The role suits those with HVAC systems, mechanical construction, facility engineering, or estimating backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical/architectural/building science or related field, OR equivalent industry experience.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems and mechanical construction.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, schedules, and bid documents.
• Quantify TAB scopes and estimate labor hours, travel, equipment, subcontractors, and risks.
• Prepare detailed estimates, proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and assumptions.
• Evaluate bid opportunities and identify scope gaps or risks.
• Develop conceptual budgets during early project planning phases.
• Assist with value engineering and alternate pricing requests.
• Review HVAC drawings and specifications to determine TAB requirements.
• Support project teams during turnover to ensure scope clarity.

Skills

Read drawings & specs

HVAC knowledge

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Architectural Engineering

Construction Management

Building Science

Related technical discipline

Tools

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

ConstructConnect

Building Connected

Mechanical takeoff software

Job description

Position Summary

Aero Performance Group is seeking a detail-oriented TAB Estimator to support the growth of our Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) business. This role is responsible for reviewing plans, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to prepare accurate cost estimates and proposals for commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, laboratory, and mission-critical projects.

This position is ideal for someone with experience in HVAC systems, mechanical construction, facility engineering, project engineering, estimating, or building systems. Prior TAB experience is preferred but not required. We are willing to train the right individual with strong technical aptitude and an understanding of mechanical systems.

The TAB Estimator serves as a critical link between sales, operations, project management, and field execution, helping ensure projects are pursued strategically and priced accurately.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Proposal Development

• Review project plans, specifications, schedules, and bid documents.
• Analyze mechanical systems including HVAC air distribution, hydronic systems, exhaust systems, laboratory systems, and critical environment requirements.
• Quantify TAB scopes and estimate labor hours, travel, equipment, subcontractors, and project risks.
• Prepare detailed estimates, proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and assumptions.
• Evaluate bid opportunities and identify potential scope gaps or risks.
• Develop conceptual budgets during early project planning phases.
• Assist with value engineering and alternate pricing requests.

Technical Review

• Review HVAC drawings and specifications to determine TAB requirements.
• Identify system complexity, access challenges, phasing requirements, and operational constraints.
• Review commissioning, laboratory, healthcare, and critical environment requirements when applicable.
• Support project teams during turnover to ensure scopes and assumptions are clearly understood.

Business Development Support

• Support Account Managers and Business Development personnel during proposal development.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client discussions when necessary.
• Assist in developing pricing strategies for owner-direct and negotiated opportunities.
• Maintain estimating databases and historical cost information.

Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain estimating standards, labor productivity assumptions, and pricing libraries.
• Track estimate accuracy and compare estimated versus actual project performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating process.

Qualifications:

Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Building Science
  • Related technical discipline

OR

Equivalent industry experience.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems and mechanical construction.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in:
  • Mechanical estimating
  • HVAC construction
  • Mechanical contracting
  • Energy engineering
  • Building automation systems
  • Facility engineering
  • Project engineering
  • Commissioning
  • Testing and Balancing (TAB)

• Familiarity with:
  • Bluebeam
  • AutoCAD
  • ConstructConnect
  • Building Connected
  • Mechanical takeoff software
• Understanding of AABC, NEBB, TABB, ASHRAE, or TAB industry practices is beneficial but not required.

Core Competencies

• Technical aptitude
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Written communication
• Time management
• Problem solving
• Team collaboration

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Estimate accuracy
• Bid volume and turnaround time
• Proposal quality
• Gross profit performance versus estimate
• Successful project handoff to operations
• Internal and external customer satisfaction
• Contribution to division growth