HVAC Estimator

Just Construction Recruitment; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Just Construction Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior HVAC Estimator / Chief Mechanical Estimator for a leading mechanical contractor in the Houston area. The role focuses on owning the estimating process for major mechanical bids and driving winning outcomes on substantial HVAC projects.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of estimating experience with a mechanical contractor, strong technical knowledge of boilers, air-handling and ventilation, and a proven track record of

Qualifications

• 10+ years HVAC/mechanical estimating experience with a mechanical contractor.
• Proven experience estimating commercial HVAC and mechanical projects.
• Experience bidding projects in the $5 million–$25 million range or larger.
• Experience across commercial, institutional, healthcare/hospital, laboratory, and educational projects.
• Experience with both new construction and retrofit/renovation projects.
• Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings, plans, specs, and bid documents.
• Strong understanding of project scope, bid requirements, exclusions, and risks.
• Strong technical knowledge: boilers, air-handling and ventilation, ductwork, hydronic piping, HVAC controls.
• Experience with GC/subcontractor/vendor liaison and pricing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and construction estimating.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed HVAC and mechanical construction estimates.
• Estimate large commercial HVAC projects typically in the $5 million–$25 million range.
• Review mechanical plans, drawings, specs, and bid documents in detail.
• Identify complete project scope, bid requirements, exclusions, assumptions, and risks.
• Review pipe and duct takeoffs prepared by internal takeoff team.
• Solicit, review, and coordinate subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Analyze quotations to ensure accurate cost capture.
• Develop accurate and competitive project pricing.
• Interface with General Contractors throughout the bidding process.
• Price major HVAC equipment and materials; purchase when required.
• Prepare major purchase orders, subcontracts, and work authorisations.
• Participate in bid reviews and scope reviews; identify gaps and risks before bids.
• Facilitate project turnover meetings and handover to Project Management.
• Collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and General Contractors to ensure robust estimates.

Skills

HVAC estimating

Mechanical contractor exp

Bid pricing

Reading drawings

GC liaison

Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Vendor coordination

Plumbing knowledge

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Our client is an established mechanical contracting business delivering large-scale HVAC and mechanical projects across the commercial, institutional, healthcare, laboratory, and education sectors.

They are looking to appoint an experienced Senior HVAC Estimator / Chief Mechanical Estimator who can take ownership of the estimating process for major mechanical projects and play a key role in securing new business.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on substantial commercial HVAC projects, typically valued between $5 million and $25 million, as well as a range of new construction, retrofit, and renovation projects.

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced HVAC/mechanical estimator with 10+ years of estimating experience working for a mechanical contractor.

You will have a strong understanding of commercial HVAC construction and be confident estimating complex mechanical projects from plans, specifications, takeoffs, subcontractor quotations, and supplier pricing.

The successful candidate will have:

• 10+ years of HVAC/mechanical estimating experience with a mechanical contractor.
• Proven experience estimating commercial HVAC and mechanical projects.
• Experience bidding projects in the $5 million–$25 million range or larger.
• Experience across commercial, institutional, healthcare/hospital, laboratory, and educational projects.
• Experience with both new construction and retrofit/renovation projects.
• The ability to thoroughly read and interpret complex mechanical drawings, plans, specifications, and bid documents.
• A strong understanding of complete mechanical project scope, bid requirements, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Strong technical knowledge of:
• Boilers
• Air-handling and ventilation systems
• Ductwork
• Hydronic and mechanical piping
• HVAC controls
• Experience working directly with General Contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and equipment suppliers.
• Strong computer and construction estimating skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• The ability to produce accurate, competitive, and commercially sound estimates.
• Plumbing estimating knowledge would be advantageous but is not essential.

As Senior HVAC Estimator / Chief Mechanical Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for major HVAC and mechanical construction projects.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and assembling detailed HVAC and mechanical construction estimates.
• Estimating large commercial HVAC projects, typically in the $5 million–$25 million range.
• Reviewing mechanical plans, drawings, specifications, and bid documents in detail.
• Identifying the complete project scope, bid requirements, exclusions, assumptions, and potential risks.
• Reviewing pipe and duct quantitative takeoffs prepared by the internal takeoff department.
• Soliciting, reviewing, and coordinating subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Analysing quotations and ensuring all project costs are accurately captured.
• Developing accurate and competitive project pricing.
• Communicating and interfacing directly with General Contractors throughout the bidding process.
• Pricing major HVAC equipment and materials.
• Purchasing major HVAC equipment and materials where required.
• Preparing major purchase orders, subcontracts, and work authorisations.
• Participating in bid reviews and detailed scope reviews.
• Identifying potential gaps, exclusions, and commercial risks before bids are submitted.
• Participating in project turnover meetings following successful awards.
• Ensuring a smooth and comprehensive handover of successful projects to the Project Management team.
• Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, subcontractors, and General Contractors to ensure estimates are complete and commercially robust.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior HVAC Estimator or Chief Mechanical Estimator who is looking to take ownership of major mechanical bids and contribute directly to winning and successfully delivering significant HVAC projects.