Mechanical Estimator

Actalent; Huntsville (AL); Remote; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Short/long-term disability

HSA

Transit benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Estimator for a fully remote role with occasional travel for site visits. The job is based near Huntsville, AL, supporting high-profile projects including the Eli Lilly Facility.

The role involves cost estimation, bid reconciliation, and collaboration with A/E teams. Requirements include 5–10 years of estimator experience in relevant sectors and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of estimator experience in manufacturing/mechanical/electrical fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or equivalent.
• Proficient with Windows, Adobe Acrobat, MS Office, and web-based platforms.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints to prepare cost estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs from design documents.
• Develop final should-cost estimates and reconcile bids.
• Source pricing data from contractors and databases.
• Support senior staff and prepare cost reconciliations.

Skills

Estimating experience

Degree in engineering

IT tools

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

RS Means

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat

Windows OS

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical EstimatorJob Description

Prepare cost estimates for specific disciplines and provide business support to senior staff. You will conduct budget and market estimates, and trade reconciliations while utilizing project documentation, industry standards, and current market costs.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints and other documents to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from available design documents.
• Understand union and trade construction cost standards.
• Develop final 'should cost' estimates to validate trade cost submissions and ensure fair pricing.
• Reconcile trade bid submissions with project scope, market conditions, and budget.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment and respond effectively to change.
• Source accurate and current pricing data from contractors, suppliers, and databases.
• Collaborate with architects and engineers to understand project scope and build strong relationships with A/E firms and project teams.
• Support senior staff in identifying efficiency improvements.
• Maintain organized project documentation and file structures in accordance with company standards.
• Support cost data library.
• Prepare cost reconciliations between multiple estimates and explain cost variances.
• Perform site walks as needed at the client site.

Essential Skills

• 5-10 years of experience as an estimator in Manufacturing and/or Mechanical/Electrical/Process Piping contractor.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or equivalent discipline experience.
• Proficient in IT tools including Microsoft Windows OS, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, and web-based platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Candidates must be versed in bid evaluations.
• Candidates should be well-versed in take-offs and RS Means.
• Association with either MCAA or SMACNA is preferred.

Work Environment

The role is increasingly team-oriented and currently remote. The job site is located in the Greenbriar Industrial Park, and candidates will need to be based in the Huntsville area for occasional trips to the site. Quarterly travel to Indianapolis, IN for remote candidates should be expected. The position offers the opportunity to support high-profile projects in Alabama, including the new Eli Lilly Facility. There is potential for growth within the organization, with benefits including 3 weeks of accrued PTO and 7 holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $57.69/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.