HVAC Building Automation Estimator

Kelso Industries; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company vehicle

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Training and professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading HVAC solutions provider is seeking a HVAC Building Automation Estimator based in Phoenix, Arizona. This mid-level role involves developing competitive and compliant cost estimates for HVAC controls projects. Candidates should have a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering and 3-5 years of relevant estimating experience, demonstrating strong knowledge of HVAC systems and DDC controls. Join a company that prioritizes innovation, integrity, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in HVAC/BAS estimating or controls project estimating.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems and sequences of operation.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and communicate clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard estimating tools.
• Ability to read plans on site and attend pre-bid meetings or walkthroughs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate, competitive, and compliant cost estimates.
• Review mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings.
• Coordinate with sales and project management teams.
• Perform accurate takeoffs for DDC controllers, field devices, panels, cabling, network components, and power supplies.
• Develop labor estimates based on Kelso productivity standards for installation, programming, and commissioning.
• Build comprehensive cost models including materials, subcontractor pricing, equipment rental, and contingency.
• Request and evaluate pricing from approved vendors and subcontractors.
• Maintain updated pricing databases and lead-time information.
• Prepare complete proposal packages including scope narratives, BOM, alternatives, value‑engineering options, and cost summaries.
• Support sales during pre‑bid walks, jobsite evaluations, and client discussions.
• Ensure estimates align with ASHRAE standards, energy codes, and Kelso Building Services design practices.
• Coordinate with internal engineering resources as needed.
• Support project managers on post‑award handoffs.
• Identify opportunities to refine Kelso estimating tools, templates, and databases.
• Provide guidance to junior estimators and assist with training initiatives.

Skills

HVAC systems

DDC controls

Reading MEP drawings

Microsoft Excel

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating tools

Job description

Join to apply for the HVAC Building Automation Estimator role at Kelso Industries.

At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

At Kelso Building Services, we believe in empowering our team members with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. You’ll be part of a company that values integrity, innovation, and customer satisfaction—and you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Role Summary

The HVAC Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator at Kelso Building Services is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and compliant cost estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC controls and building automation projects. This mid-level role requires the ability to independently interpret plans, specifications, and sequences of operation, coordinate with sales and project management teams, and prepare complete proposals for bidding and internal budgeting.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Review & Scope Definition
  • Review mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings, specifications, addenda, and RFIs to determine complete BAS scope.
  • Identify control system architecture including controllers, supervisory devices, network topology, and integration points.
  • Clarify scope gaps, exclusions, and assumptions with internal teams before bid submission.
• Quantity Takeoffs & Cost Estimating
  • Perform accurate takeoffs for DDC controllers, field devices, panels, cabling, network components, and power supplies.
  • Develop labor estimates based on Kelso productivity standards for installation, programming, and commissioning.
  • Build comprehensive cost models including materials, subcontractor pricing, equipment rental, and contingency.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination
  • Request and evaluate pricing from approved vendors and subcontractors.
  • Maintain updated pricing databases and lead-time information.
• Proposal & Bid Preparation
  • Prepare complete proposal packages including scope narratives, BOM, alternatives, value‑engineering options, and cost summaries.
  • Support sales during pre‑bid walks, jobsite evaluations, and client discussions.
• Technical & Code Compliance
  • Ensure estimates align with ASHRAE standards, energy codes, and Kelso Building Services design practices.
  • Coordinate with internal engineering resources as needed.
• Internal Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Support project managers on post‑award handoffs.
  • Identify opportunities to refine Kelso estimating tools, templates, and databases.
  • Provide guidance to junior estimators and assist with training initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience in HVAC/BAS.
• 3–5 years’ experience in HVAC/BAS estimating or controls project estimating.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, DDC controls, sequences of operation, and reading MEP drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard estimating tools.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines, communicate clearly, and produce consistent, accurate estimates.
• Ability to read plans on site and attend pre‑bid meetings or walkthroughs as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Field experience as a controls technician, programmer, or HVAC service technician.
• Familiarity with Tridium Niagara, Distech, Alerton, Siemens, or similar BAS platforms.
• Experience estimating labor for wiring, programming, startup, and commissioning tasks.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments.
• Organized documentation habits for assumptions, revisions, and estimate notes.

Compensation And Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Company vehicle
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Training and professional development opportunities.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here You Will Experience

• Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
• Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
• Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business.