Estimator

Universal Piping Industries; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Piping Industries (UPI) seeks an experienced estimator to prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates for industrial piping, water and refrigeration systems. You will work with project managers, engineers and field staff to ensure profitable bids and timely completion.

Responsibilities include analyzing plans, calculating costs, maintaining data, and supporting procurement. Strong math, communication and collaboration are essential to drive successful bids in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating industrial and commercial construction projects.
• Proficiency with pipe take-off and cost data.
• Familiarity with codes, standards and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Analyze project plans, blueprints and specs for piping systems.
• Calculate material, labor, equipment and subcontractor costs.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers and field supervisors.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and bid proposals.
• Maintain and update a database of historical cost data.
• Participate in site visits to gather data for estimates.
• Monitor costs on ongoing projects and adjust estimates as needed.
• Support procurement in sourcing materials and equipment.
• Assist in value engineering for complex projects.

Skills

Cost analysis

Bid preparation

Piping estimates

Estimating software

Math skills

Value engineering

Team collaboration

Tools

Trimble QuickPen

QuoteSoft

Estimating software

Manual take-off

Job description

Universal Piping Industries (UPI) is a leader in the design, fabrication and installation of industrial piping & plumbing systems and HVAC systems for industrial/commercial facilities.

UPI is a part of a large group of companies within the Kaiser Enterprise. The Kaiser Enterprise includes, UPI, Gallagher-Kaiser (GK), GK de Mexico, GK Canada, GK GmbH Germany, Tann Corporation, Kais-AIR, Commerce Controls Incorporated (CCI), Ventcon Incorporated, Rival Insulation, Kaiser Industrial, Universal Fire Protection (UFP) and Synergy Engineering Services.

Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, UPI has expertise in engineering, estimating, project management, fabrication, and installation together with personal involvement in projects to assure the utmost in quality, performance and timely completion.

Position Overview:

The estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for industrial construction projects. This role is essential in supporting project bids, ensuring profitability, and maintaining the company’s reputation for precision and reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze project plans, blueprints, and specifications for industrial piping, water, or refrigeration systems to determine project scope and requirements
• Calculate material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs specific to industrial construction, mechanical systems
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field supervisors to clarify project details and resolve technical discrepancies
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and bid proposals for clients, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements
• Maintain and update a database of historical cost data for specialized systems
• Participate in site visits to assess project conditions and gather data for accurate estimation
• Monitor ongoing projects to compare actual costs with estimates and adjust future estimates accordingly
• Support the procurement team in sourcing specialized materials and equipment
• Assist in value engineering and cost-saving initiatives for complex industrial projects

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience estimating industrial and commercial construction projects, especially in industrial piping, process building piping, water systems, and refrigeration
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills; proficiency with estimation and project management software
• In-depth knowledge of relevant codes, standards, and best practices in industrial construction and mechanical systems
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and under tight deadlines
• Assist in value engineering, continuous improvement, and cost-saving initiatives for complex industrial and commercial projects
• Experience with Computer-Based Pipe Take-off programs (Trimble-Quickpen, QuoteSoft, or others)
• Comfortable with doing Manual Take-off and Cost Recaps
• Experience with scheduling software is a plus
• Proven experience with pipe sizing and selection, including pumps, valves
• Experience with chilled water systems, industrial boiler systems, industrial process equipment, and industrial utility systems