Chief Estimator - Mechanical

MKL Careers; Texas; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Leadership opportunity

Job summary

MKL Careers seeks an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations for a leading mechanical contracting business in the Dallas–Fort Worth market. You will own preconstruction strategy, lead estimating teams, and partner with senior leadership to win major projects.

The ideal candidate has extensive commercial mechanical construction experience, deep HVAC and plumbing knowledge, and a proven ability to develop accurate, competitive bids while coordinating with business development and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in mechanical estimating, especially HVAC and plumbing.
• Leadership experience as Chief Estimator or senior estimator.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines concurrently.
• Strong knowledge of labor productivity and material/pricing assumptions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all estimating activities for commercial mechanical and plumbing projects.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of competitive, accurate bids and cost estimates.
• Review drawings, specs, bid documents, and project requirements to identify scope and risks.
• Develop detailed estimates covering HVAC, piping, plumbing, equipment, labor, and materials.
• Mentor and develop estimating personnel to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Skills

HVAC systems

Plumbing systems

Estimating leadership

Bid management

Project cost analysis

Tools

Estimating software

Construction takeoff tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations for a leading mechanical contracting business in the Dallas–Fort Worth market. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating professional with strong mechanical and plumbing knowledge to take ownership of preconstruction strategy, lead estimating teams, and play a key role in securing new projects.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in commercial mechanical construction, a strong understanding of HVAC and plumbing systems, and the ability to develop accurate, competitive bids while working closely with senior leadership, project management, and business development teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all estimating activities for commercial mechanical and plumbing projects.
• Manage the preparation and submission of competitive, accurate bids and cost estimates.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to identify scope, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop detailed estimates covering HVAC, piping, plumbing, equipment, labor, and materials.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating personnel, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all proposals.
• Establish estimating procedures, bid strategies, and best practices to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Coordinate with general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams throughout the bidding process.
• Work closely with business development and executive leadership to evaluate opportunities and prioritize bids.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities, cost-saving measures, and potential project risks.
• Participate in bid reviews, scope negotiations, and turnover meetings with project management teams.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in mechanical construction estimating, with a strong background in HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Previous experience as a Chief Estimator, Lead Estimator, Senior Mechanical Estimator, or in a similar leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of commercial mechanical systems, including HVAC, hydronic piping, plumbing, and associated equipment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and estimating priorities simultaneously.
• Experience reviewing mechanical drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, subcontractor pricing, and project cost analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop an estimating team.
• Excellent communication, organization, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software and construction takeoff tools.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package based on experience.
• Leadership opportunity with the ability to influence estimating strategy and business growth.
• Opportunity to work on a variety of commercial mechanical and plumbing projects across the DFW market.
• Collaborative environment working alongside experienced construction and business development professionals.
• Long-term career growth with an established mechanical contracting business.