HVAC Estimator

KEP Electric; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IES Residential, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH is seeking a detail-oriented HVAC Estimator to prepare accurate estimates for residential and light commercial projects. You will review plans, perform takeoffs, price materials and labor, and assemble complete bid proposals.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of HVAC estimating experience, reads drawings and bid documents well, and can communicate effectively with suppliers and internal teams. A strong focus on accuracy and timely bids is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-4 years of HVAC estimating experience.
• Strong ability to read plans, specs, drawings and bid documents.
• HS diploma required; construction management degree a plus.
• Experience with material takeoffs, labor estimates and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate HVAC cost estimates for residential and light commercial projects.
• Review plans and project documents to determine scope of work.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs for equipment, ductwork, piping and ventilation.
• Estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs and overhead.
• Prepare complete bid proposals, summaries, and cost breakdowns.
• Communicate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering options.

Skills

HVAC estimating

Attention to detail

Reading drawings/specs

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Construction Management degree (plus)

Tools

FastPIPE

Trimble

PlanSwift

Bluebeam

Job description

General Job Description

KEP Electric is seeking a detail-oriented HVAC Estimator to join our growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for residential homes and small commercial HVAC projects. The ideal candidate will have strong estimating skills, knowledge of HVAC systems, and the ability to review project plans, perform takeoffs, price materials and labor, and prepare complete bid proposals.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate HVAC cost estimates for residential and light commercial projects.
• Review plans, specifications, drawings, and project documents to determine scope of work.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs for HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, ventilation, and related components.
• Estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and project overhead.
• Request and review pricing from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Prepare complete bid proposals, estimate summaries, and project cost breakdowns.
• Communicate with contractors, builders, suppliers, and internal teams to clarify project scope and pricing.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering options.
• Maintain organized estimating files, pricing records, and project documentation.
• Support project handoff by providing estimates, scope details, and bid information to the operations team.
• Stay current with HVAC material pricing, code requirements, industry standards, and market trends.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the estimating department and overall business needs.

Minimum Education

None

Minimum Years Of Experience

2-4

Qualifications

Specific Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years of experience in HVAC estimating, preferably in residential or light commercial projects.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree in Construction Management, or a related field is a plus.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, equipment, ductwork, ventilation, and installation methods.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Experience preparing material takeoffs, labor estimates, and complete project proposals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet bid deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to successfully pass pre-employment screening, including a background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review, as required by company policy.
• Reliable transportation to ensure regular and punctual attendance.

Preferred Skills

• Field experience in HVAC installation or service.
• Familiarity with residential new construction, retrofit, and light commercial HVAC projects.
• Experience using estimating software such as FastPIPE, Trimble, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or similar.
• Knowledge of local mechanical codes and HVAC industry standards.
• NATE certification or HVAC trade license is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk and using a computer.
• Ability to view and read construction drawings, specifications, spreadsheets, and digital documents for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and through email.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, bend, or move around the office.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry office materials, plans, files, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• This is an in-office position based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Work is performed in a professional office environment with regular use of computers, phones, printers, and standard office equipment.
• The role requires regular interaction with Division Managers, project managers, vendors, subcontractors, and other internal team members.
• The position may involve occasional visits to job sites, meetings, or vendor locations as needed.
• Job site visits, when required, may involve exposure to typical construction site conditions, including noise, dust, uneven surfaces, active equipment, and varying weather conditions.
• The work environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, especially during bid preparation and project estimating periods.

License Required

Yes

Job Locations

US-OH-Cincinnati

Company Overview

IES Residential, Inc. is one of the nation's largest and most respected electrical, plumbing, HVAC, solar, and cable solutions providers for single-family homes and multi-family complexes since 1973. We provide comprehensive integrated solutions that light up our world. We make homes come to life.

IES is a national provider of industrial products and infrastructure services to a variety of end markets, including electrical, mechanical and communications contracting solutions for the commercial, industrial, residential and renewable energy markets. IES is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol IESC. As of the end of IES's 2024 fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, IES produced over $2.8 billion in revenue and employed over 9,400 employees at over 131 domestic locations across the United States. IES is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Females, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Individuals with Disabilities, Protected Veterans Encouraged to Apply.

From office buildings to wind farms, industrial complexes to housing developments, our employees and design professionals design, build, and maintain the systems that empower lives.

Our commitment to our employees is reflected by our actions:

• Safety is Priority One - and our record shows it
• Competitive Pay
• Company 401K plan with Employer Contribution Match
• Company Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Choice of Medical Coverage including Prescription and Short Term Disability Plans
• Choice of Dental and Vision Coverage
• Optional Long-term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Legal and Pet Coverage
• Auto and Home Insurance Discount Programs

EEO & Affirmative Action

The IES policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, or any other protected status or characteristic. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment, and also states that retaliation against any employee who files a complaint regarding possible violations of this policy will not be tolerated. IES is also committed to taking affirmative steps to promote the employment of minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. IES develops affirmative action programs to support its commitment to equal employment opportunity, consistent with company policy and the company's obligations as a contractor to the United States government.

View Your Equal Employment Opportunity rights under the law. "EEO is the Law" poster | "EEO is the Law" poster supplement

View IES' policy on Pay Transparency Pay Transparency NonDiscrimination Poster

Disability Accommodation

IES is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. IES provides reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants who need accommodation in the job application process should contact the IES corporate office at [phone] or any IES office to request assistance.

IES Participates in E-Verify

E-Verify Information

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Right to Work

English

Spanish