Lead Estimator - Mechanical & Structural (Industrial)

Workspire; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Workspire is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead the mechanical and structural estimating for complex construction opportunities in the U.S. You will drive early budgeting through detailed proposals, aligning with operations to ensure successful project execution.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in construction estimating, with a track record on $25M–$100M+ projects, and demonstrated leadership of estimating teams in large contracting settings.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive construction estimating experience, including mechanical and structural projects.
• 5+ years leading estimating teams or in Chief Estimator roles.
• Experience with contractors generating $500M–$1B in annual revenue and complex environments.
• Track record for major projects in $25–$100M+ with responsibility for scope, pricing and risk.
• Technical knowledge across industrial piping, mechanical equipment, structural steel, and fabrication.
• Ability to evaluate labor rates, methods, quantities, equipment needs, and schedules costs.
• Experience partnering with field operations and distinguishing self-performed vs subcontracted work.
• Proficient with estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and Excel with disciplined review.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating strategy and final reviews for mechanical and structural construction opportunities.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor productivity assumptions, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, indirect costs, and contingency planning.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, bid requirements, site conditions, and schedules to identify scope gaps, execution risks, and commercial exposure.
• Partner with operations and project leadership to validate installation methods, staffing plans, sequencing, fabrication needs, and field execution assumptions.
• Direct bid reviews and develop clear recommendations on pricing, qualifications, exclusions, and pursuit strategy.
• Build and mentor the estimating team while strengthening cost databases, review standards, estimating tools, and consistency across pursuits.
• Coordinate supplier and subcontractor pricing, reconcile proposals, and document the basis of estimate for effective handoff to project teams.
• Compare estimated costs with actual project performance and use lessons learned to improve future bids and forecasting.

Skills

Estimating experience

Leadership

Contracting experience

Major projects

Piping & structural steel

Cost estimation

Estimating software

Excel proficiency

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff

Excel

Job description

Workspire is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead the mechanical and structural estimating for complex construction opportunities in the U.S. You will drive early budgeting through detailed proposals, aligning with operations to ensure successful project execution.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in construction estimating, with a track record on $25M–$100M+ projects, and demonstrated leadership of estimating teams in large contracting settings.