Estimator - Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical Services

Cobalt Recruitment; New York (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company contribution

PTO and holidays

Vehicle allowance

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking a Mechanical Estimator for a hands-on, lead-estimator role in the NYC metro area. The position covers the full estimating cycle for commercial boiler installation, replacement, and service, collaborating closely with project managers, field leadership, vendors, and subcontractors.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of estimating experience in a commercial mechanical contracting environment, deep knowledge of boilers and related systems, and strong Excel and

Qualifications

• 7+ years estimating experience with a commercial mechanical contractor (focus on boilers and commercial heating)
• Strong knowledge of commercial boilers (steam, hydronic, condensing), piping, pumps, controls, and venting
• Proficient reading mechanical drawings and specifications
• Track record of estimating projects from $500K to $5M+
• Familiarity with NYC market conditions, codes, and labor rates
• Strong Excel skills and experience with estimating software (FastEST, Trimble, Bluebeam, or similar)
• Strong written and verbal communication

Responsibilities

• Review bid documents, drawings, and specifications for commercial boiler installation, replacement, and retrofit projects
• Perform take-offs and quantity surveys for boiler systems, piping, pumps, controls, venting, and related mechanical equipment
• Develop accurate cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead
• Prepare professional, competitive proposals and bid packages
• Manage the bid pipeline from invitation through award
• Source equipment and material pricing from manufacturers, reps, and suppliers; negotiate quotes to protect margin
• Estimate large service contracts, preventive maintenance agreements, and capital service projects
• Conduct site walks and pre-bid meetings as needed
• Hand estimates off to project management and field teams on awarded work
• Track bid hit rates and post-job cost performance to refine future estimates

Skills

Estimating

Excel

Reading drawings

Communication

Bid management

Tools

FastEST

Trimble

Bluebeam

Job description

Salary: USD160000 - USD180000 per annum

Job Type: Full-time, on-site

Industry: Commercial Mechanical Contracting, Boiler Installation and Service

Pay: $160,000 - $180,000 per year

A well-established commercial mechanical contractor in the NYC metro area is hiring a Mechanical Estimator to lead its estimating function. The company specializes in commercial boiler installation, replacement, and service across the tri-state area. This is a hands-on, lead-estimator seat covering the full estimating cycle, from bid review to proposal delivery, working closely with project managers, field leadership, vendors, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Review bid documents, drawings, and specifications for commercial boiler installation, replacement, and retrofit projects
• Perform take-offs and quantity surveys for boiler systems, piping, pumps, controls, venting, and related mechanical equipment
• Develop accurate cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead
• Prepare professional, competitive proposals and bid packages
• Manage the bid pipeline from invitation through award
• Source equipment and material pricing from manufacturers, reps, and suppliersNegotiate vendor and subcontractor quotes to protect margin
• Estimate large service contracts, preventive maintenance agreements, and capital service projects
• Conduct site walks and pre-bid meetings as needed
• Hand estimates off to project management and field teams on awarded work
• Track bid hit rates and post-job cost performance to refine future estimates

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years estimating experience with a commercial mechanical contractor (focus on boilers and commercial heating)
• Strong knowledge of commercial boilers (steam, hydronic, condensing), piping, pumps, controls, and venting
• Proficient reading mechanical drawings and specifications
• Track record of estimating projects from $500K to $5M+
• Familiarity with NYC market conditions, codes, and labor rates
• Strong Excel skills and experience with estimating software (FastEST, Trimble, Bluebeam, or similar)
• Strong written and verbal communication

Preferred

• Field experience in mechanical or boiler installation/service
• Established relationships with NYC-area boiler manufacturers, reps, and suppliers
• Experience estimating both install and service work

Compensation and Benefits

• $160,000 - $180,000 base salary, commensurate with experience
• Full medical, dental, and vision
• 401(k) with company contribution
• PTO and paid holidays
• Vehicle allowance or company vehicle (where applicable)
• Senior, high-visibility role with a stable, well-regarded contractor

This is a confidential search conducted on behalf of the hiring company. The company name is shared directly with candidates who advance in the process.