Mechanical Cost Manager

Consertus-US; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Consertus-US in Oakbrook Terrace is seeking a Mechanical Cost Estimator to develop and deliver accurate cost estimates for mechanical systems, including HVAC and plumbing systems. You will perform quantity take-offs, analyze project drawings, and collaborate with project teams.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 5–8 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 to $140,000 with additional benefits to support employee well-being.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in mechanical estimating or related construction cost roles.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop estimates with increasing independence.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical cost estimates across all design phases.
• Perform detailed quantity take‑offs and system‑level quantification.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to define mechanical scope.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Cost analysis

HVAC systems

Plumbing systems

Quantity take-offs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Excel

Sage Timberline

Job description

About Us

Consertus is a global capital program management and advisory firm headquartered in Miami, Florida. The firm helps clients plan, execute, and optimize large-scale capital programs across sectors such as aviation, transportation, water, healthcare, energy, education, government, commercial, life sciences, and technology.

About this Role

The Mechanical Cost Estimator is responsible for developing and delivering conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and site utilities. The role performs quantity take‑offs, pricing development, and applies market intelligence, benchmarking data, and company standards to produce accurate, defensible cost deliverables. The estimator works collaboratively with project teams, design consultants, and clients to evaluate system scope, construction methodologies, and cost drivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical cost estimates across all design phases: Conceptual/Parametric, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents.
• Perform detailed quantity take‑offs and system‑level quantification for HVAC systems (airside, hydronic, equipment‑based), plumbing systems (domestic water, sanitary, storm), fire protection systems, and site and underground utilities.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and design narratives to define complete mechanical scope and identify gaps or coordination issues.
• Develop unit pricing using historical cost data, industry databases (RS Means, MCASES, MII), subcontractor/vendor input, market intelligence, and regional labor conditions.
• Coordinate with internal disciplines (architectural, structural, civil, electrical) to ensure alignment and completeness of estimate inputs.
• Prepare and maintain detailed estimate backup, assumptions, clarifications, and Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation.
• Participate in estimate reviews, reconciliation meetings, and design coordination discussions with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Identify cost drivers, escalation impacts, procurement risks, and constructability considerations affecting mechanical systems.
• Support value engineering and cost optimization through system comparisons, alternate analysis, and lifecycle considerations.
• Assist in evaluating subcontractor proposals, bid comparisons, and change‑order pricing related to mechanical scope.
• Maintain organized project documentation and ensure traceability of quantities, pricing, and assumptions.
• Support QA/QC processes by validating quantities, pricing logic, and estimate completeness prior to submission.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8 years of experience in mechanical estimating or related construction cost roles.
• Experience supporting a variety of project types and delivery methods (Design‑Bid‑Build, CMAR, Design‑Build).
• Demonstrated ability to develop estimates with increasing independence and technical responsibility.
• Scheduling experience highly preferred with knowledge of Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems: HVAC (VAV, chilled water, hot water, DX systems, air distribution), plumbing (domestic, sanitary, stormwater), fire protection, underground and site utilities.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, and coordination documents.
• Proficiency in detailed quantity take‑offs and application of labor/productivity factors.
• Working knowledge of estimating platforms (Sage Timberline, MCASES MII, OST, or similar tools), Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced), and cost databases.
• Understanding of labor impacts, including productivity, escalation, and regional cost factors.

Compensation Range

$120,000 – $140,000 annually.

What’s In It For You

• Company‑paid life and disability insurance.
• Optional benefits such as pet insurance, legal, and supplemental health plans.
• 401(k) with day‑one eligibility: 100% match on the first 3% of compensation and 50% match on contributions between 3% and 5%.
• Generous paid time off: 10 holidays and PTO starting at 15 days, growing up to 25 days.
• Access to Consertus Academy for continuous learning and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Consertus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.