HVAC Estimator

Kelso Industries; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

PTO

Job summary

Kelso Industries is seeking an experienced HVAC Estimator to develop accurate, competitive estimates for commercial and industrial projects. You will work with estimating leadership, operations, and project teams to evaluate scope, pricing strategies, constructability, scheduling, procurement risks, and execution plans to win profitable work.

Projects range from $250,000 to $20 million across commercial, healthcare, industrial, and institutional sectors, delivered via hard bid, design-build,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, piping, ductwork, controls, and mechanical construction.
• Experience with design-build, negotiated, GMP, conceptual budgeting, and hard-bid delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC projects, including new construction, renovations, replacements, and design-build work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, GMP, and hard-bid estimates.
• Partner with Operations and Project Management to review labor strategies, project schedules, constructability, and execution plans.
• Evaluate long-lead equipment, procurement strategies, and supply chain risks that may impact cost or schedule.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope reviews.

Skills

HVAC estimating experience

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field

Tools

QuoteSoft

Trimble AutoBid

FastPIPE/FastDUCT

Bluebeam

BuildingConnected

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Together We Build - Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ 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.

HVAC Estimator

Position Summary

The HVAC Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC construction projects. Working closely with Estimating Leadership, Operations, Project Management, and Business Development, this role supports the entire preconstruction process by evaluating project scope, pricing strategies, constructability, scheduling, procurement risks, and execution plans to position the company to win profitable work.

Projects typically range from $250,000 to $20 million and include commercial, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, institutional, multifamily, and mission-critical facilities delivered through hard bid, negotiated, design-build, GMP, and other collaborative delivery methods.

The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial HVAC estimating experience, sound mechanical construction knowledge, and the ability to identify project risks, develop competitive pricing strategies, and collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare complete estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC projects, including new construction, renovations, replacements, and design-build work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, GMP, and hard-bid estimates.
• Partner with Operations and Project Management to review labor strategies, project schedules, constructability, and execution plans.
• Evaluate long-lead equipment, procurement strategies, and supply chain risks that may impact cost or schedule.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope reviews.

Vendor & Bid Management

• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop clear bid packages and scopes of work to ensure complete and comparable pricing.
• Review proposals for scope compliance and identify cost-saving alternatives.
• Participate in bid reviews, pricing strategy discussions, and post-bid negotiations.
• Prepare proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and estimate documentation.

Project Support

• Participate in project turnover meetings and communicate estimating assumptions, risks, vendor coverage, and procurement considerations.
• Assist with equipment buyout, subcontractor selection, and change order pricing as needed.
• Compare estimated versus actual costs and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, piping, ductwork, controls, and mechanical construction.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and labor, material, and equipment estimates.
• Understanding of labor productivity, project scheduling, procurement, and construction cost structures.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent field experience considered.
• Field experience in HVAC installation, piping, sheet metal, refrigeration, or mechanical construction.
• Experience with design-build, negotiated, GMP, conceptual budgeting, and hard-bid delivery methods.
• Experience estimating commercial projects valued between $250,000 and $20 million.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as QuoteSoft, Trimble AutoBid, FastPIPE/FastDUCT, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with BIM/VDC, prefabrication, and value engineering is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $95,000-$130,000
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO

Pay Transparency Statement

The compensation range provided represents the Company's good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.

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.