Estimator-Mechanical Construction

Kimmel Associates; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Kimmel Associates is seeking an experienced Estimator for a leading mechanical contractor client. The role focuses on preparing accurate, competitive estimates for commercial mechanical construction projects from plan review through final proposal.

You will perform detailed takeoffs, pricing, vendor solicitation, bid analyses, and risk reviews, coordinating with leadership, PMs, and operations to develop bid strategies and ensure a smooth transition to project execution.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, schedules, and bid documents.
• Proficiency with Excel and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and bid documents to establish mechanical scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, piping, sheet metal.
• Develop labor and material cost estimates and risk analyses.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals.
• Prepare bid forms and cost summaries for leadership.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Excel

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree (Mechanical Engineering)

Construction Management experience

Tools

AutoBid Mechanical

AutoBid SheetMetal

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and highly respected mechanical contractor with a long-standing reputation for delivering complex mechanical systems across commercial and industrial markets.

The company handles projects ranging from focused mechanical installations to large-scale, technically demanding construction. Its culture is built around quality craftsmanship, long-term client relationships, and employee development. With continued growth and a strong backlog of work, the organization is adding experienced professionals to its estimating team.

This is an opportunity to join an established contractor where experienced estimators can contribute to high-profile projects while building a long-term career with a growing organization.

About the Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive estimates for commercial mechanical construction projects from initial plan review through final proposal.

The Estimator will be responsible for detailed quantity takeoffs, labor and material pricing, subcontractor and vendor solicitation, scope analysis, and bid preparation. This role will work closely with estimating leadership, Project Managers, and operations to develop effective bid strategies and ensure a smooth transition from estimating to project execution.

Full mechanical scope experience across HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metalis preferred, although candidates with strong estimating experience in a single mechanical trade will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, addenda, schedules, and bid documents to establish the complete mechanical scope.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, piping, sheet metal, and mechanical equipment.
• Develop labor and material cost estimates, including productivity rates and crew assumptions.
• Solicit, evaluate, and compare vendor, supplier, and subcontractor proposals.
• Review quotes for scope coverage, exclusions, qualifications, and alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate equipment selections and pricing with manufacturers' representatives.
• Identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, clarifications, alternates, allowances, and other bid risks.
• Prepare bid forms, proposals, cost summaries, and estimate review packages for leadership.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities and potential cost savings.
• Manage multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting firm bid deadlines.
• Attend job walks, pre-bid meetings, and project-specific site visits as needed.
• Lead estimate turnover meetings with Project Management following project award.Support change-order pricing, budget reviews, and post-bid follow-up.
• Maintain organized estimate files, vendor databases, quotes, and bid assumptions.
• Contribute to estimating templates, databases, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and other trade partners.

Requirements

• 5+ years of mechanical estimating experience in commercial construction, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, sheet metal, or related mechanical systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, schedules, and bid documents.
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, materials, labor requirements, productivity, and construction sequencing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with mechanical estimating and takeoff software preferred.
• Knowledge of SMACNA standards and duct fabrication is a plus for sheet metal-focused candidates.
• Field, project management, or skilled-trade experience in mechanical construction is a plus.
• Design-build or design-assist experience is preferred.

Preferred Technology Experience

Experience with AutoBid Mechanical, AutoBid SheetMetal, QuoteSoft, Accubid, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel is preferred.

Benefits

• $100,000–$130,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Opportunity to work on complex, high-profile mechanical construction projects
• Strong backlog with an established mechanical contractor
• Professional development opportunities
• Long-term career advancement
• Collaborative culture focused on employee growth and project excellence