Estimator

usengineering; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 64,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement matching

529 plan matching

Paid time off

Year-end bonus

Job summary

U.S. Engineering in Kansas City, MO, is seeking a motivated estimator trainee to support bid preparation and preconstruction activities within our mechanical contracting group.

You will learn from the Chief/lead estimator and help prepare accurate takeoffs and cost analyses. This role involves learning HVAC, plumbing, piping and sheet metal take-offs, reviewing specifications and drawings, coordinating with suppliers, and assisting in bid strategy and client communications.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED required.
• Prefer degree in Engineering or Construction Management; equivalent combinations of technical training, trade school and relative experience.
• Preferred 3 years’ experience in construction industry.
• Preferred experience with QuickPen, Autobid, Quote Express mechanical or similar software.
• Prefer some industry experience with HVAC and plumbing – including commercial, institutional, and industrial.

Responsibilities

• Learning HVAC, plumbing, piping and sheet metal take-off, estimates – including hard bid and conceptual.
• Review and understanding proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
• Develop a pre-bid checklist for each bid.
• Learn bid preparation process and final closeout for hard bids from Chief/lead estimator.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and assist in bid strategy development to win projects.

Skills

Estimating techniques

Mechanical estimating

Excel

Cost control

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Engineering or Construction Management degree (preferred)

Tools

QuickPen

Autobid

Quote Express

Bluebeam

Procore

Job description

U.S. Engineering has been an industry leader through constant innovation and a willingness to evolve. The construction industry changes rapidly, and we cultivate a dynamic workplace where even our newest team members can influence change and make an impact. We know that our most valuable asset is our people. Join us!

Do you believe no challenge is too complex to solve? You’ll fit right in at U.S. Engineering Innovations. We deliver award-winning mechanical contracting, construction, service, and maintenance solutions with a focus on performance and innovation. Our team of skilled and collaborative professionals drives every project from preconstruction through final testing, always aligned with our clients’ goals.

Responsible for estimating activities for assigned projects, including learning from the Chief/lead estimator- bid preparation, understanding final bid tabulation, and client relationship management.

Principal Duties and Accountabilities:

• Learning HVAC, plumbing, piping and sheet metal take-off, estimates – including hard bid and conceptual.
• Review and understanding proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate. Develop a pre-bid “checklist” for each bid.
• Learn and maintain files of working documents as back-up for estimate figures, including current accurate information on prices from suppliers through direct contact and material and equipment scoping.
• Learn bid preparation process and final closeout for hard bids from Chief/lead estimator.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, understand and assist the team in the development of bid strategy to win projects.
• Learn the collaboration strategies with project development and operation team on proposals.
• Learn the procedures of the Preconstruction Services team with conceptual estimates.
• Meet and develop a relationship with outside vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors during bid preparation.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with client counterparts.
• Learn the principles of system layout and takeoff of incomplete drawings.
• Participate in project meetings with Estimating team and management as appropriate.
• Learn to manage bidding documents and file structure.
• Client relationship management as required, including client-sponsored functions.
• Partner with regional, project and estimating management on constructability review, workforce requirements, schedule, and other trade impacts.
• Work directly with Bid Coordinator regarding distribution of bid information and receiving of quotes.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma / GED required.
• Prefer degree in Engineering or Construction Management; equivalent combinations of technical training, trade school and relative experience.
• Preferred 3 years’ experience in construction industry.
• Preferred experience working with QuickPen, Autobid, Quote Express mechanical or similar software preferred.
• Prefer some industry experience with HVAC and plumbing – including commercial, institutional, and industrial.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Basic knowledge of estimating techniques and cost control.
• Preferred technical knowledge of mechanical construction, HVAC, piping, plumbing, etc.
• Preferred technical knowledge of general and mechanical construction to interpret all project documents and the impact it will have on estimate.
• Ability to learn and interpret computerized cost data and systems.
• Learn to be self-sufficient and work under the supervision of a lead, Senior or Chief estimator.
• Must learn to facilitate the bid process through its completion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail / accuracy.
• Proficiency with computers and estimating software.
• Learn to use discretion and make judgments on relative significance of bid components.
• Learn, understand and practice the terms and conditions that impact bid strategy.
• Must work in a collaborative team environment and ability to enthusiastically represent the company’s core values, mission, history, and culture.
• Operate with a strong sense of urgency and work with proficiency to deliver results.
• Strong analytical skills combined with resourcefulness to find all routes to the most effective results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam and Procore.

Physical and/or travel demands:

• Occasional travel to regional offices may be required.
• This position is primarily performed in an office setting, which includes regular sitting, use of computer keyboard and monitor, and telephone. Occasional bending, kneeling, standing, and walking, and lifting of light objects required.

Benefits and Compensation:

• The range for this position has been established at $64,360 - $91,756per yearand is US Engineering’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of the posting. The compensation offered to the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
• Your total compensation will go beyond the number on your paycheck. Team members are eligible for a year-end bonus based on company and/or individual performance as well as paid time off. An industry-leading benefits package including health, dental, and vision plans, matching retirement contributions, and matching 529 contributions all add to your bottom line.

This position will be posted until October15, 2026.

U.S. Engineering is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and shall provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

U.S. Engineering is compliant with the Drug Free Workplace Act, and all offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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