Mechanical Estimator (HVAC)

DeBra-Kuempel Inc.; Evansville (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

DeBra-Kuempel Inc. is seeking a Mechanical/HVAC Estimator to prepare cost estimates for mechanical construction and HVAC retrofit projects. You will analyze plans and specifications, develop competitive proposals, and support project planning from bidding through turnover.

The role requires collaboration with clients, vendors, and project teams to ensure estimate accuracy, integrate value engineering, and maintain documentation throughout the process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical estimating.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Fabrication EstMEP, Quotesoft, and BlueBeam.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate mechanical and HVAC construction estimates using cost data, benchmarks, and estimating software.
• Review blueprints and specifications to determine labor, material, and time requirements.
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, field personnel, engineers, architects, and stakeholders to refine scope and costs.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Blueprint reading

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

AutoCAD Fabrication EstMEP

Quotesoft

BlueBeam

Job description

About Us

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, elevate 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; cold and heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in