Building Automation Estimator: Bid, BOM & Specs Expert

EMCOR Services Automated Controls; Evansville (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DeBra-Kuempel, a leading BAS provider, seeks a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates for BAS projects in Lexington, KY. The role involves reviewing plans, performing detailed take-offs, developing BOMs and labor estimates, and supporting bid submissions from pursuit to turnover.

The ideal candidate has BAS/HVAC controls experience, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with industry standards, with a track record in healthcare, data

Qualifications

• Associate's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 2 years of experience in estimating or related roles within building automation systems, HVAC controls, DDC, or smart buildings industry.
• Manufacturer-specific certifications or training (e.g., Niagara Certification, Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell).
• Experience estimating for healthcare, data centers, higher education, or large portfolios with energy/performance contracting focus.
• Familiarity with LEED/sustainability requirements, fault detection & diagnostics (FDD), cybersecurity standards for BAS, and remote/cloud-based systems.
• Previous field experience in BAS installation, commissioning, or service.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage, union labor, or public sector bidding processes.
• Strong technical understanding of BAS platforms, protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LON, etc.), control sequences, mechanical/electrical systems, and integration.
• Proficiency in take-off and estimating tools/software (e.g., Bluebeam, ERP/CRM systems).
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, labor rates, material pricing, and project delivery methods in commercial/industrial sectors.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy under deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with sales, customers, engineers, and vendors.
• Ability to read/interpret blueprints, specs, and control drawings.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret project documents, including architectural/mechanical/electrical plans, specifications, sequences of operation, RFPs, and addenda, 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, including Tridium Niagara, Automated Logic, Johnson Metasys, Siemens Desigo CC, and BACnet-based building automation systems; ensure compliance with project specs and standards.
• Mitigate bid risks and improve competitiveness by identifying competitive vendor pricing opportunities, value engineering opportunities, risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change order items.
• Support the full bid lifecycle to transition projects to management teams by preparing proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, and negotiating scope, price, and value engineering requests from clients.
• Facilitate continuous improvement by maintaining estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data, and following BAS industry trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the role and the organization.

Skills

BAS knowledge

Estimating skills

Control systems

Blueprint reading

Communication skills

Education

Associate's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

ERP/CRM systems

Job description

DeBra-Kuempel, a leading BAS provider, seeks a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates for BAS projects in Lexington, KY. The role involves reviewing plans, performing detailed take-offs, developing BOMs and labor estimates, and supporting bid submissions from pursuit to turnover.

The ideal candidate has BAS/HVAC controls experience, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with industry standards, with a track record in healthcare, data