BAS Estimator: Bid, Specs & Smart Building Costs

EMCOR Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DeBra-Kuempel seeks a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator to prepare accurate bids for BAS projects, including new installations, retrofits, and system upgrades. You will review plans, specs, and customer requirements to develop pricing, BOMs, and labor estimates while supporting business development with contractors and engineers.

The ideal candidate combines BAS and HVAC controls knowledge with strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills to drive profitable proposals

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in estimating or related roles within building automation systems, HVAC controls, DDC, or smart buildings industry.
• Familiarity with LEED/sustainability requirements, fault detection & diagnostics (FDD), cybersecurity standards for BAS, and remote/cloud-based systems.
• Manufacturer-specific certifications or training (e.g., Niagara Certification, Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell).
• Strong knowledge of BAS platforms, protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LON, etc.), control sequences, mechanical/electrical systems, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret project documents to determine scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed take-offs for BAS components, such as controllers, sensors, actuators, valves, dampers, wiring, software, and programming hours.
• Develop accurate bill of materials (BOM), labor estimates (installation, commissioning, programming, project management), subcontractor quotes, and overhead/profit margins.
• Estimate costs for various project types, such as plan & spec, design-build, and performance contracts.
• Select appropriate control system hardware/software and ensure compliance with project specs and standards.
• Mitigate bid risks and identify pricing opportunities, value engineering, risks, exclusions, and change orders.
• Support the full bid lifecycle by preparing proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, and negotiating with clients.
• Maintain estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data; stay current with BAS trends and technologies.

Skills

Estimating experience

BAS knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Reading blueprints/specs

Education

Associate's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

ERP/CRM systems

Job description

DeBra-Kuempel seeks a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator to prepare accurate bids for BAS projects, including new installations, retrofits, and system upgrades. You will review plans, specs, and customer requirements to develop pricing, BOMs, and labor estimates while supporting business development with contractors and engineers.

The ideal candidate combines BAS and HVAC controls knowledge with strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills to drive profitable proposals