Electrical / Mechanical Estimator - Construction Projects

Arcadis; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

15 days PTO per year

Nine paid holidays

Job summary

A leading design consultancy firm is looking for an experienced Electrical / Mechanical Estimator to work on a multi-phase pharmaceutical project in Lebanon, Indiana. The role involves preparing and validating cost estimates, collaborating with contractors, and performing site visits. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering fields and at least 6 years of experience in BioPharma or high-tech manufacturing. The role offers a salary between $100,000 and $140,000, along with extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of estimating experience in BioPharma, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for mechanical/process systems for construction projects.
• Engage with contractors to validate pricing breakdowns and maintain transparency.
• Visit project sites in Lebanon, IN to coordinate with team and verify work.

Skills

Proactive

Resourceful

Solutions-oriented

Strong analytical skills

Strong negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, Process Engineering, Construction Management

Tools

OMEGA

Unifier 1

Job description

Electrical / Mechanical Estimator – Construction Projects, Arcadis

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life.

Role description

Arcadis is seeking an experienced Mechanical or Electrical/Process/Controls Estimator to join our team for a large, multi-phase pharmaceutical construction project in Lebanon, Indiana. This role is site-based and focused on estimating mechanical and process systems critical to BioPharma manufacturing.

Important: This is a full‑time on‑site position in Indiana.

Role accountabilities

• Prepare and validate detailed cost estimates for mechanical/process/controls systems (HVAC, piping, clean utilities, process systems, specialty gases, etc.).
• Engage with contractors to obtain, analyze, and challenge detailed pricing breakdowns, ensuring transparency and cost validation.
• Routinely visit Lebanon, IN project site to coordinate with the construction team, attend meetings, and perform field verification of work and quantities.
• Interpret complex technical specifications and process requirements.
• Leverage experience in BioPharma, life sciences, or high‑tech manufacturing to identify cost and constructability risks in process‑critical environments.
• Utilize estimating tools such as OMEGA and/or Unifier 1 and maintain cost tracking and reporting in accordance with client requirements.
• Engage contractors to drive transparency in pricing.
• Collaborate with project management, subcontractors, design, and client teams to support budgeting, value engineering, and change management.
• Communicate complex technical and cost information clearly to all project stakeholders.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions‑oriented.
• Comfortable with highly complex technical knowledge of construction processes, cost and commercial management for all phases of the project from concept to handover/warranty.
• Design and tender preparation with deep market knowledge for resources/materials/equipment.
• Ability to challenge assumptions and drive contractor transparency.
• Strong builder of client relationships with a history of turning client relationships into new business.
• Collaborative team player with a commitment to project excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, Process Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 6 + years of estimating, ideally in BioPharma, life sciences, or advanced/high‑tech manufacturing.
• Familiar with GMP manufacturing requirements.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining and validating detailed cost breakdowns from contractors/subcontractors.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; capable of performing quantity take‑offs, cost reconciliations, and pricing reviews.
• Proficient with industry estimation tools (OMEGA and/or Unifier 1 experience a plus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Able and willing to maintain regular on‑site presence in Lebanon, IN (hybrid role).
• Relevant professional certification.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Local candidates preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Arcadis is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non‑discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Benefits

Arcadis offers benefits for full‑time and part‑time positions, including medical, dental, vision, EAP, 401(k), STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program, and optional wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $100,000 – $140,000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project, and location.