Mechanical Estimator

InServ Corp.; Fuquay-Varina (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

InServ Corp. is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to develop accurate estimates for process piping on industrial and pharmaceutical construction projects.

The role emphasizes hygienic and sanitary piping systems, orbital welding, and tri-clamp connections within GMP-regulated environments. The ideal candidate will lead labor, material, and equipment pricing, review P&IDs and isometrics, and coordinate with design teams to ensure complete bid packages and successful proposals.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of mechanical estimating experience.
• Experience estimating pharmaceutical, biotech, or GMP-regulated projects.
• Strong knowledge of piping materials, fabrication, and installation methods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for process piping systems.
• Develop labor, material, and equipment pricing for stainless steel piping and hygienic systems.
• Analyze P&IDs, isometric drawings, specifications, and 3D models to scope process and utility piping.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, exclusions, and assumptions.
• Assemble complete bid packages and participate in bid reviews.
• Lead, train, and mentor junior estimators on piping estimation methods.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Pharma GMP knowledge

Piping materials

PIDs

Isometrics

Excel

On-Screen Takeoff

HCSS

Reading drawings

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Navisworks

Revit

3D modeling/BIM coordination

Job description

InServ is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to develop accurate and competitive estimates for process piping scopes on industrial and pharmaceutical construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have experience with hygienic and sanitary piping systems, a proven track record estimating pharmaceutical, biotech, or other GMP-regulated projects, and strong technical knowledge of process piping materials, fabrication, and installation methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for process piping systems using conceptual designs, design-development documents, and construction documents.
• Develop labor, material, and equipment pricing for:
• Stainless steel piping
• Hygienic and sanitary piping systems
• Orbital welding
• Sanitary fittings
• Tri-clamp connections
• Analyze P&IDs, isometric drawings, specifications, and 3D models to scope:
• Process piping systems
• Utility piping
• Clean steam systems
• Clean-in-place (CIP) systems
• Steam-in-place (SIP) systems
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing and quotations.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, exclusions, and assumptions.
• Prepare and maintain clarification logs.
• Perform constructability reviews and develop value-engineering recommendations.
• Assemble complete bid packages and participate in bid and proposal review meetings.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and train junior- and mid-level estimators on:
• Process piping quantity takeoff methods
• Estimating software and tools
• Industry best practices
• Hygienic and pharmaceutical piping requirements
• Review estimates prepared by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Provide technical guidance and serve as a resource for complex hygienic, sanitary, and pharmaceutical piping questions.
• Standardize estimating procedures, templates, and unit-cost databases for piping scopes.
• Support the development of consistent and efficient estimating practices across the team.

Technical and Regulatory Expertise

• Apply working knowledge of:
• ASME BPE standards
• Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements
• FDA-regulated environments
• Understand project requirements related to:
• Passivation
• Material certifications
• Hygienic piping fabrication and installation
• Coordinate with design and engineering teams on hygienic piping design standards, including:
• Proper slope
• Drainability
• System functionality and maintainability

Collaboration and Project Support

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams on scope development and buyout activities.
• Coordinate with design and engineering teams regarding process piping requirements and project specifications.
• Participate in owner, client, and proposal presentations as needed.
• Support the development of accurate, competitive, and complete project proposals.

Qualifications and Competencies

• 2+ years of mechanical estimating experience.
• Direct experience estimating pharmaceutical, biotech, or other GMP-regulated construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of piping materials, fabrication, and installation methods, including:
• Orbital welding
• Tri-clamp connections
• Butt-weld connections
• Stainless steel and carbon steel piping
• Proficiency with estimating software such as:
• On-Screen Takeoff
• HCSS
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Isometric drawings
• Mechanical and process specifications
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet competing deadlines.

Education and Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Familiarity with the following preferred:
• ASME BPE
• ASME B31.3
• cGMP documentation standards
• Experience with 3D modeling or BIM coordination is a plus, particularly with:
• Navisworks
• Revit
• Similar platforms
• Relevant education, training, certifications, and practical experience demonstrating the required knowledge and skills will be considered.

Physical Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based and requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use. The role may also require:

• Periodic visits to active project sites
• Occasional travel to client offices
• Occasional visits to vendor facilities

The Mechanical Estimator role offers opportunities to expand technical expertise in process piping, hygienic systems, and pharmaceutical construction while developing leadership and team-management capabilities.

Potential career paths include:

Leadership Path:

Lead Estimator → Estimating Manager → Director of Preconstruction

Advancement opportunities vary based on organizational needs and are influenced by job performance, technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, initiative, communication skills, and readiness to assume increased responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

InServ is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every employee is valued and has the opportunity to succeed. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe a diverse workforce strengthens our company, our teams, and the communities we serve.