HVAC Estimator for Commercial Projects & Budgets

Kelso Industries; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Job summary

Kelso Building Services, a division of Kelso Industries, is seeking a detail‑oriented HVAC Estimator to join our preconstruction team in the Phoenix area. This role focuses on evaluating upcoming opportunities, developing accurate cost analyses, and supporting competitive proposals for commercial HVAC projects.

The ideal candidate will combine HVAC technical knowledge with strong analytical skills to help position projects for successful execution.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in HVAC estimating, mechanical estimating, project engineering, or related construction role.
• Experience preparing cost estimates for commercial HVAC construction projects.
• Knowledge of mechanical building systems and construction methodologies.
• Ability to perform detailed takeoffs from digital drawings and construction documents.
• Previous involvement with negotiated work, competitive bids, or conceptual budgeting preferred.
• Strong understanding of HVAC equipment and systems commonly found in commercial facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete project cost projections for commercial HVAC installations, retrofits, tenant improvements, and facility upgrades.
• Review plans, specifications, engineering documents, and bid requirements to determine labor, material, and equipment needs.
• Prepare quantity surveys for HVAC equipment, duct systems, controls, refrigeration components, piping systems, and associated accessories.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to obtain current pricing and product information.
• Analyze project scope and identify areas that may impact cost, schedule, or constructability.
• Create budget estimates, conceptual pricing, and formal bid submissions for various project delivery methods.
• Evaluate subcontractor proposals and compare pricing against project requirements.
• Recommend cost‑saving alternatives and value‑driven design options.
• Participate in job walks, client meetings, and preconstruction discussions.
• Prepare proposal summaries, bid clarifications, and other documentation during bidding.
• Support operations teams with project turnover information after contract award.
• Maintain estimating records, historical pricing data, and market cost trends.

Skills

HVAC estimating

Takeoffs from drawings

Cost estimation

Communication across departments

Education

HVAC engineering degree

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kelso Building Services, a division of Kelso Industries, is seeking a detail‑oriented HVAC Estimator to join our preconstruction team in the Phoenix area. This role focuses on evaluating upcoming opportunities, developing accurate cost analyses, and supporting competitive proposals for commercial HVAC projects.

The ideal candidate will combine HVAC technical knowledge with strong analytical skills to help position projects for successful execution.