Commercial Estimator - Mechanical

Solid Rock Recruiting LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Solid Rock Recruiting LLC is seeking a Mechanical Estimator for a growing preconstruction team in the Chicago area. You will develop accurate, competitive project estimates for HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems and collaborate with senior leadership, project managers, and operations to ensure smooth transitions from preconstruction through execution.

Ideal candidates bring proven estimator experience in mechanical construction, strong technical knowledge, and advanced Excel skills to drive cost

Qualifications

• Proven estimator experience in mechanical construction or related field.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems.
• Ability to read drawings, specifications and project documents.
• Experience with estimating and takeoff tools (Bluebeam or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills and solid financial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates from conceptual design through construction documents.
• Perform quantity take-offs and scope analysis across HVAC, plumbing, and piping.
• Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Identify scope gaps, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Support bid strategy, proposal development, and final submissions.
• Partner with operations teams to hand off estimating to project execution.
• Maintain historical cost data to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Skills

HVAC/Mech knowledge

Bluebeam takeoff

Excel analysis

Detail oriented

Communication

Tools

Bluebeam

Estimator software

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, privately held mechanical contractor with a long-standing reputation for delivering complex commercial and industrial projects with precision. Known for their technical expertise, strong client relationships, and commitment to safety, they’ve built a consistent pipeline of high-quality work over decades in the market.

What sets them apart is their balance of stability and forward-thinking leadership. This is a company where processes are proven, leadership is accessible, and employees are treated as long-term investments—not short-term resources. The culture is collaborative, team-oriented, and built around developing and retaining top talent.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a skilled Mechanical Estimator to join a growing preconstruction team. In this role, you’ll play a critical part in securing new work by developing accurate, competitive, and strategic project estimates across a range of mechanical systems.

You’ll work closely with senior leadership, project managers, and operations to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction through project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates from conceptual design through fully issued construction documents
• Perform quantity take-offs and scope analysis across HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems
• Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals
• Identify scope gaps, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities
• Support bid strategy, proposal development, and final submissions
• Partner with operations teams to ensure a smooth handoff from estimating to project execution
• Maintain and leverage historical cost data to improve accuracy and efficiency

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as an Estimator in mechanical construction (commercial or industrial preferred)
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and/or piping systems
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and project documents
• Experience with estimating and takeoff tools (Bluebeam or similar)
• Advanced Excel skills and strong financial/commercial awareness
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Confident communicator who can collaborate across teams and challenge assumptions when needed