Assistant Estimator

Kaempf & Harris; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Disability insurance

401(k)

PTO & paid holidays

Onsite nurse

Job summary

Kaempf & Harris, Frederick, MD, seeks an Assistant Estimator to support ductwork estimates, bid preparation, and vendor pricing for HVAC and sheet metal projects. The role emphasizes hands-on training with experienced estimators.

Allocated to a fourth-generation family company, you will work on local projects within a 40‑mile radius, gain practical estimating skills, and contribute to competitive bids while growing your career.

Qualifications

• Review mechanical drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
• Enter takeoff quantities, labor, material, and pricing into estimating software.
• Build supporting Excel spreadsheets for bid calculations.
• Identify key requirements in project specifications and build estimates around them.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and job walks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist estimators with ductwork estimates.
• Review drawings and bid documents to prepare accurate estimates.
• Identify inclusions and exclusions and write scopes of work for each project.
• Obtain vendor quotes and track bid dates and revisions.
• Communicate with vendors and support turnover with project managers after awards.

Skills

Estimating

Vendor communication

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

Ready to turn your attention to detail into a career with real growth potential? As an Assistant Estimator earn up to $60,000 a year and receive hands‑on training from experienced estimators! From reviewing mechanical drawings and performing takeoffs to gathering vendor pricing and helping prepare competitive bids, you’ll play a meaningful role in winning commercial projects from the ground up. Jumpstart your future with a growing commercial HVAC and sheet metal team that invests in your growth, and helps you build real, in‑demand estimating skills!

Kaempf & Harris, part of a family‑owned commercial construction firm, is seeking an Assistant Estimator to join their team in Frederick, MD.

If you are self‑motivated, have a strong work ethic, and are eager to learn, this is the role for you! Prior sheet metal or estimating experience is a plus.

Why Assistant Estimators join the Kaempf & Harris team:

• Great Pay: Earn $25–$28 per hour based on your experience, plus overtime opportunities and the potential to make up to $60,000 per year!
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays, and access to an onsite nurse year‑round.
• Join an Established Local Company: Be part of a fourth‑generation family company that has built a trusted reputation in the Frederick area for 88 years.
• Stay Local: Work on projects within a 40‑mile radius and avoid the long commutes and city traffic of Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
• A Team That Wants You to Succeed: Join a positive, supportive environment where motivated employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and move their careers forward.
• Hands‑On Estimating Training: Learn directly from experienced professionals while building in‑demand skills in commercial HVAC and sheet metal estimating. You’ll help prepare bids and contribute to commercial projects from the ground up.
• Build Your Career: Kaempf & Harris invests in your growth through hands‑on training, company‑funded apprenticeship programs, and out‑of‑state learning opportunities with industry leaders. There is real room to advance!

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist estimators with ductwork estimates.
• Review mechanical drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
• Identify key requirements in project specifications and build each estimate around the required construction.
• Write scopes of work that clearly define inclusions and exclusions for each project.
• Enter takeoff quantities, labor, material, and pricing into estimating software, and build supporting Excel spreadsheets.
• Communicate, build relationships, and follow up with vendors.
• Obtain vendor equipment quotes ahead of bid deadlines.
• Track bid dates, addenda, drawing revisions, and other changes throughout the bidding process.
• Hold turnover meetings with project managers after projects are awarded.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Strong general computer and technology skills.
• Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Comfortable working with electronic construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word), or willing to become proficient.
• Ability to manage and organize electronic project files.
• Attend pre‑bid meetings, site visits, and job walks as needed.

About the Company:

Founded in 1937, R.W. Warner, Inc. is a third‑generation, family‑owned business built on a legacy of value, quality, and integrity. What began as a small plumbing operation in a family kitchen has grown into one of the region’s leading mechanical contracting firms. Over the decades, they’ve expanded through strategic growth and innovation, offering complete mechanical solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, and government sectors. Today, under the leadership of Matt Warner, they remain committed to delivering trusted service while embracing cutting‑edge technology and honoring the principles that have guided them since day one.

For more than 70 years, Kaempf & Harris has provided exceptional craftsmanship and service to the area’s most respected and well‑known mechanical companies, general contractors, corporations and institutions. They fabricate more than 500 tons of metal every year, including aluminum, custom stainless steel, galvanized steel and black iron steel. They deliver precise, high‑quality products from smaller, custom design solutions to the most complex design‑build and spec industrial, commercial and institutional sheet metal projects. They aren’t finished until they’ve provided great value through care and outstanding craftsmanship. High quality products are delivered on time so your project can stay on track. That’s Kaempf & Harris’ promise to you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.