HVAC Estimator
Location: Fountain Valley, CA
Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000+ Experience-dependent
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established mechanical contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal construction projects throughout Southern California. Serving commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, and municipal markets, the company is known for its commitment to excellence, technical expertise, and long-standing client relationships.
Due to continued growth, the organization is seeking an experienced HVAC Estimator to join its preconstruction team. This individual will play a critical role in evaluating bid opportunities, developing accurate cost estimates, and helping secure profitable mechanical construction projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with project teams, vendors, and clients.
Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates for commercial HVAC and mechanical construction projects.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to determine project requirements.
- Perform material, labor, and equipment takeoffs for HVAC systems, ductwork, piping, controls, insulation, and related mechanical scopes.
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotations.
- Develop comprehensive project budgets and bid proposals.
- Analyze project risks, costs, and opportunities to improve competitiveness and profitability.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and operations teams during preconstruction.
- Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative solutions.
- Maintain accurate historical cost data and estimating records.
- Assist with project turnover and handoff meetings following project award.
- Track market trends, labor rates, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3+ years of estimating experience within HVAC, mechanical, MEP, piping, or sheet metal construction.
- Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems and mechanical construction practices.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
- Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
- Knowledge of labor productivity rates, material pricing, and equipment costs.
- Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and related construction management tools.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Experience
- Mechanical contractor estimating experience.
- Experience estimating commercial, healthcare, industrial, educational, or government projects.
- Familiarity with design-build and negotiated work environments.
- Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and mechanical piping systems.
- Experience estimating projects ranging from $1 million to $25 million or greater.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Full benefits included.