Estimating Assistant

TP Mechanical; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

TP Mechanical is seeking an Estimating Assistant to support the mechanical estimating team in Columbus, OH. This role coordinates bid activities for commercial fire protection, HVAC, plumbing, and piping projects, and serves as a hub between estimators, operations, suppliers, and subcontractors.

You will manage documentation, enter data into estimating databases, prepare bid proposals, and organize bid results for post‑bid handoff to Project Management.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of administrative support or assistant experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and basic construction document literacy.
• Ability to navigate and interpret project manuals, sheets, and plans.

Responsibilities

• Bid Management: download, organize, and track project plans, specs, and addenda from plan rooms and portals.
• Vendor Coordination: issue RFQs to mechanical suppliers and subcontractors for equipment, piping, fixtures, and ductwork.
• Data Entry & Database Maintenance: input pricing, labor units, and quotes into estimating databases and spreadsheets.
• Bid Document Preparation: assemble final bid proposals, letters, bond requests, and qualification statements.
• Post-Bid Administration: maintain cost data, organize bid results, and hand off awarded files to Project Management.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Data Entry

Organizational Skills

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree (Construction-related)

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

The Estimating Assistant provides vital administrative, technical, and operational support to the mechanical estimating team. This role is responsible for streamlining the bidding process for commercial fire protection, HVAC, plumbing, and piping projects. The assistant manages project documentation, coordinates vendor quotes, and data for estimator review. This position serves as a central hub of communication between estimators, operations, material suppliers, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Bid Management: Download, organize, and track upcoming project plans, specifications, and addenda from online plan rooms and client portals.
• Vendor Coordination: Distribute requests for quotes (RFQs) to mechanical suppliers and subcontractors for equipment, piping, plumbing fixtures, and ductwork.
• Data Entry & Database Maintenance: Input material pricing, labor units, and vendor quotes into the company's core estimating database and spreadsheets.
• Bid Document Preparation: Compile final bid proposals, proposal letters, bond requests, and qualification statements for executive review and submission.
• Post-Bid Administration: Maintain historical cost data, organize bid results, and transition files of awarded projects to the Project Management team.
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in an administrative support or assistant role, ideally within the construction, engineering, or trade industries.
• Software Literacy: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Document Literacy: Proven ability to navigate and interpret basic construction documents, sheets, and project manuals.

Preferred qualifications:

• Industry Experience: Prior experience specifically working for a mechanical, or plumbing (MEP) contractor.
• Software Familiarity: Exposure to digital construction takeoff and estimating software such as Bluebeam Revu

Education:

• Minimum Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent with 2+ years of administrative experience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Preferred Education: Associate degree or coursework in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Business Administration.

Job Skills:

• Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills for frequent outreach to vendors and subcontractors.
• Exceptional Attention to Detail: Ability to spot discrepancies in vendor quotes or minor changes in plan revisions.
• Mathematical Competency: Strong fundamental arithmetic, fractions, and spatial measurements for accurate quantitative support.
• Time Management: Capability to prioritize multi-project deadlines and handle a high volume of requests during peak bidding hours.
• File Organization: Methodical approach to digital file structures and document version control.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Special Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• 10-hour OSHA certification prior to starting.