Mechanical Estimator 3 -Tysons, VA
M.C. Dean
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
M.C. Dean is seeking a Mechanical Estimator III to lead the preparation of complex mechanical estimates, budgets, and design‑build proposals for mission‑critical projects. You will guide preconstruction strategies, mentor junior staff, and act as a trusted advisor to operations and executive teams.
Role requires extensive knowledge of HVAC, piping, hydronics, and central utility systems, plus strong Excel, BIM, and digital estimating experience. Background checks apply.
Qualifications
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical construction systems (HVAC, piping, hydronics, fuels, process piping, central plants).
- Ability to read drawings, specs, BIM models, P&IDs, control diagrams, and contract docs.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary estimates and applying various delivery methods.
Responsibilities
- Lead preparation of cost estimates, budgets, GMPs, and design-build proposals for complex mechanical projects.
- Develop estimating strategies for HVAC, piping, controls, and related systems.
- Evaluate risks, constructability, and schedule impacts during preconstruction.
- Mentor junior estimators and review estimates for accuracy and competitiveness.
- Lead value engineering and cost reduction while meeting project requirements.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Mechanical Estimator III is a senior‑level estimating professional responsible for leading the development of complex mechanical construction estimates, budgets, and design‑build proposals. This role provides technical leadership throughout the preconstruction process, develops estimating strategies for large‑scale and mission‑critical projects, mentors junior estimators, and serves as a key advisor to operations, engineering, and executive leadership. The Mechanical Estimator III independently manages major pursuits from conceptual design through final submission while ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company objectives.
- Lead the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates, budgets, GMPs, and design‑build proposals for complex mechanical construction projects.
- Develop and implement estimating strategies for HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, hydronic systems, process piping, controls, and integrated mechanical infrastructure projects.
- Evaluate project risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and execution strategies during all phases of preconstruction.
- Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates with minimal oversight.
- Develop labor productivity models, crew loading plans, fabrication strategies, equipment utilization plans, and installation methodologies.
- Direct quantity takeoffs and cost analyses utilizing drawings, specifications, BIM models, and other project documentation.
- Lead the solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of subcontractor and vendor proposals.
- Perform detailed scope comparisons and bid leveling analyses to ensure complete and competitive pricing.
- Facilitate estimate reviews with project teams, business unit leadership, and executive management.
- Lead value engineering efforts, cost reduction initiatives, and alternative system evaluations while maintaining project performance requirements.
- Conduct site assessments, constructability reviews, logistics evaluations, and risk workshops to support pursuit strategies.
- Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to develop project execution plans, schedules, and procurement strategies.
- Support proposal development, technical presentations, customer interviews, and project pursuit activities.
- Develop and maintain estimating standards, procedures, cost databases, historical metrics, and benchmarking tools.
- Review and validate estimates prepared by Estimator I and Estimator II personnel.
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance to junior estimators and preconstruction staff.
- Support business development efforts by providing budgetary pricing, market intelligence, and strategic cost guidance.
- Participate in contract reviews and assist with project turnover to operations upon award.
- Identify emerging market trends, material pricing impacts, labor challenges, and supply chain risks affecting project costs.
- Ensure all estimates comply with company standards, customer requirements, contract documents, and applicable codes.
- Generate high‑quality work products while managing multiple high‑profile pursuits and deadlines.
- Must successfully pass a background check.
- A competitive salary
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Military Reserve pay offset
- Paid maternity leave
- Extensive knowledge of mechanical construction systems, including HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, fuel systems, process piping, central utility plants, and associated mechanical equipment.
- Advanced ability to interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, BIM models, P&IDs, control diagrams, and contract documents.
- Comprehensive understanding of mechanical construction methods, procurement strategies, fabrication processes, startup, and commissioning requirements.
- Strong knowledge of labor productivity analysis, estimating methodologies, unit pricing development, and cost forecasting.
- Experience developing conceptual estimates with limited design information.
- Proven ability to evaluate project risks, constructability issues, and schedule impacts.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary estimates involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, controls, and specialty systems.
- Strong understanding of contract delivery methods, including Design‑Build, Design‑Bid‑Build, CMAR, GMP, and Integrated Project Delivery.
- Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
- Proficiency with advanced estimating software platforms such as FastPIPE, QuoteSoft, DESTINI, Trimble, Accubid Anywhere, or equivalent systems.
- Working knowledge of BIM‑based estimating, model coordination, clash detection, and digital construction workflows.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost modeling tools.
- Ability to lead estimate review meetings and present findings to executive leadership and customers.
- 3+ years of experience with a Master's degree.
- 5+ years of experience with a B.S. in Mechanical, Civil, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management.
- 8+ years of experience with a related associate's degree.
- 10+ years of experience with a High School diploma or GED.
- Advanced Mechanical Systems Knowledge
- Cost Modeling and Forecasting
- Design‑Build Preconstruction
- Conceptual Estimating
- Constructability Analysis
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Strategic Planning
- Proposal Development
- Value Engineering
- Business Development Support
- Market Analysis
- Procurement Strategy
- Mentorship and Staff Development
- Cross‑Functional Team Leadership
- Client Engagement
- Executive Communication
- Decision Making
- Negotiation and Influence
- Estimating Standards Development
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Quality Assurance
- Schedule and Resource Management
- Multi‑Project Oversight
The Mechanical Estimator III serves as a senior technical leader within the preconstruction organization and is expected to lead major pursuits, mentor estimating staff, and influence estimating strategy across the business. This position typically progresses into roles such as:
- Lead Mechanical Estimator
- Preconstruction Manager
- Director of Preconstruction
This role is expected to function as a trusted advisor to project teams and leadership while driving estimating excellence, operational consistency, and successful project pursuits across the organization.
- Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
- Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
- Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Identify and understand the speech of another person.
USD $104,240.00 - $130,300.00 /Yr.
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