Mechanical Estimator (HVAC)

DeBra-Kuempel; Evansville (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DeBra-Kuempel is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates for mechanical construction, HVAC retrofit and sheet metal projects by analyzing plans, specifications, and project requirements. This role collaborates with clients, vendors, field personnel, engineers and stakeholders to refine scope, evaluate design changes, and ensure estimate accuracy from bidding through turnover.

You will lead pre-bid meetings, perform quantity take-offs, draft proposals, and maintain

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical estimating or related construction role.
• Proficient in AutoCAD Fabrication EstMEP, Quotesoft, BlueBeam.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local construction regulations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and contract documents.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate mechanical and HVAC construction estimates using cost data and value engineering.
• Review blueprints, specifications, and technical documents to determine labor, materials, and time.
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, field personnel, engineers, architects, and stakeholders to refine scope and costs.
• Prepare and present cost estimates to support planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Conduct quantity take-offs and maintain estimating documentation.
• Review contract documents to ensure scope clarity and project alignment.
• Lead pre-bid meetings and site walk-throughs while assessing project risks.
• Draft proposals and scope letters with pricing strategies and competitive positioning.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Support change order pricing and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Blueprint reading

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

AutoCAD Fabrication EstMEP

Quotesoft

BlueBeam

Job description

We are a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); building automation; and industrial piping contractor. Our team offers a variety of MEP and process piping services, including design-build engineering for new construction and renovation, installation and specialty construction, maintenance, and air balancing, start-up, and energy efficiency services.

Job Summary

DeBra-Kuempel is seeking to fill a Mechanical /HVAC Estimator position. The Mechanical Estimator prepares accurate cost estimates for mechanical construction and HVAC retrofit and sheet metal projects by analyzing plans, specifications, and project requirements. This role collaborates with clients, vendors, and project teams to develop competitive proposals, support project planning, and ensure estimate accuracy from bidding through project turnover.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop accurate mechanical and HVAC construction estimates using historical cost data, industry benchmarks, estimating software, and value engineering principles.
• Review blueprints, specifications, and technical documents to determine labor, material, and time requirements.
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, field personnel, engineers, architects, and stakeholders to refine scope, resolve technical issues, evaluate design changes, and optimize costs.
• Prepare and present cost estimates to support executive-level planning, project scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Conduct quantity take-offs, data entry, and maintain accurate estimating documentation and document control procedures.
• Review contract and bid documents to ensure scope clarity, project alignment, and smooth project turnover.
• Lead pre-bid meetings, site walk-throughs, and scope clarification discussions while assessing project risks.
• Draft proposals and scope letters incorporating pricing strategies and competitive positioning.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors to support business development and project success.
• Support change order pricing, expand critical estimating issues with recommendations, and contribute to process improvements, software enhancements, training, and estimate feasibility reviews.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical estimating or a related role within the construction industry.
• Proficiency in estimating software such as AutoCAD Fabrication EstMEP, Quotesoft, and BlueBeam.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local construction regulations and industry standards.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and PDF editing/viewing tools.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and contract documents.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to commute to field locations. The employee must have the ability to navigate around job site locations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee should expect to sit for long periods in front of a computer and also travel to field locations as needed.

While visiting field locations, the employee may be required to work outdoors, be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical and electrical parts; high, precarious places; dust, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions, extended exposure to sunlight; co ld and heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the field work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Benefits

DeBra-Kuempel offers a competitive benefits package to non-union employees, including health benefits, paid time off, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, company discounts, and more. Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement will receive benefits as negotiated within their specific CBA and may be eligible to participate in our voluntary supplemental union benefits program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

Affirmative Action Policy

Please review our Affirmeative Action Policy.