Estimator - MEP

DPR Construction; Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction in Virginia seeks an experienced MEP estimator to prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for complex projects. You will apply mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection knowledge to ensure accuracy and value, coordinating with design and preconstruction teams.

You will review drawings and addenda, document assumptions and risks, and engage with trade partners to clarify bids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in MEP estimating, design-build coordination, or a related field required.
• Experience with cost databases and estimating processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Owns MEP scopes and prepares detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for multiple project phases.
• Reviews drawings, specs, and addenda to identify scope requirements and risks, documents assumptions and opportunities.
• Performs cost and value analyses to support design development and decision-making.
• Engages with trade partners to obtain and clarify bids for MEP scope.
• Contributes to constructability and value engineering reviews related to system design and integration.

Skills

MEP estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Cost estimates

Design-build coordination

Value engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, construction management, or a related field

Job description

At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.Job Summary:Prepares and manages detailed cost estimates for MEP systems on moderately complex projects. Applies specialized knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and value. Coordinates with design and preconstruction teams to assess constructability, evaluate design alternatives, and support overall cost strategy. Contributes to estimating standards and continuous improvement in MEP estimating practices.Key Responsibilities:Owns assigned MEP scopes and prepares detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for MEP systems across multiple project phases.Reviews drawings, specifications, and addenda to identify technical scope requirements and potential conflicts, and prepares bid tabs and scope summaries that document assumptions, risks, opportunities, and recommendations for internal and client-facing reviews.Performs cost and value analyses to support design development and decision-making.Engages with trade partners to obtain, evaluate, and clarify bids and proposals for MEP scope.Contributes to constructability and value engineering reviews related to system design and integration.Assists in developing and maintaining cost databases and estimating tools for MEP work and provides guidance to Senior Preconstruction Engineers on takeoffs, scope reviews, and MEP estimating practices.Collaborates with project and estimating teams to ensure MEP estimates align with overall project budgets and strategies and works with scheduling, operations, and design teams to confirm that logistics, phasing, and sequence assumptions are reflected in MEP pricing.Education Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent experience required.Work Experience:4–6 years of experience in MEP estimating, design-build coordination, or a related field required.Certifications and Licenses:None required.DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers .