Mechanical Estimator (Philadelphia)

Turner Construction Company; Philadelphia, Northern (Philadelphia County, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Construction Company is seeking an Entry‑level MEP Estimator in Philadelphia, PA. The role focuses on preparing detailed estimates for Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV systems from design through construction documents.

You will develop quantity take-offs, analyze contract documents, and work with local vendors to obtain current pricing. The position supports the Preconstruction Manager and MEP Manager and may involve supervising junior estimators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with at least 3 years’ estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, technology, and LV systems.
• Ability to interpret contract documents, drawings, specs, and schedules for cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for MEP trades from design documents through construction documents.
• Develop quantity take-offs, estimates, and studies for MEPT systems.
• Coordinate pricing with suppliers and trade partners to build bidder lists.
• Perform constructability analysis and communicate issues to the project team.
• Assist in evaluating subcontractor proposals and change orders.
• Gather and analyze bid data and maintain cost databases.
• Oversee use of estimating tools and potentially supervise junior staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Collaboration

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Division: Philadelphia Main

Project Location(s): Philadelphia, PA 19101 USA

Minimum Years Experience:

Travel Involved:

Job Type: Regular

Job Classification: Entry

Education:

Job Family: Administrative Support

Compensation: Salaried Exempt

Position Description

Prepare detailed estimates for the project based on the design documents, narratives, and specifications, focusing on the Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection/Electrical/Technology/LV System (MEP) trades.

Reports to

Preconstruction Manager / MEP Manager

Essential Duties & Responsibilities*

• Communicate mechanical and electrical estimate and scopes of work to Turner staff, architects, engineers, and owners.
• Prepare quantity take-offs, analysis, estimates, and studies for Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and Low Voltage (LV) system items incorporated in assigned scope from conceptual design through completed construction documents. Preliminary design work may be required to complete conceptual estimates.
• Analyze existing site conditions and contract documents (e.g., plans, specifications) to determine required scope not already indicated.
• Develop working relationships with local material suppliers and equipment vendors to solicit accurate and current pricing of plumbing fixtures, HVAC equipment, piping and sheet metal material, lighting, distribution equipment, low voltage systems, and other material pricing.
• Develop working relationships with local Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV system (MEP) trade partners to build and maintain list of qualified bidders for projects.
• Perform constructability analysis of project documents. Communicate design and constructability issues to project team in accordance with project contract.
• Provide first costs analysis and participate in life cycle analysis with Design team.
• Work together with Operations staff and fellow estimators to ensure General Conditions and General Requirements (GC/GR) items are properly addressed in estimate including, but not limited to, items such as temporary heating/cooling, electrical, power and lighting, including estimating of electrical and natural gas consumption during construction.
• Coordinate equipment pricing with SourceBlue for Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV system estimates.
• Develop value analysis to define more cost-efficient alternatives to proposed Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV system systems, materials and equipment.
• Act as liaison with engineers, design consultants, trade partners, Turner staff, and owner’s representatives to resolve Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV system issues related to project preconstruction efforts.
• Prepare and assemble estimates and proposals for different contract types (e.g., lump sum, GMP, Cost Plus).
• Participate in estimate reviews with Design team and client.
• Participate in project hand-off to Operations and conduct proper transfer of knowledge from Preconstruction to Operations.
• Participate in authoring scope requisitions for bidding/procurement of Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV system systems; coordinate with fellow estimators to eliminate scope gaps and overlaps.
• Evaluatesubcontractor proposals relative to their scope of work; determine scope coverage and manage risk of scope gaps.
• Assist project staff in evaluating large change orders.
• Gather and analyze Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and LV system bid data for projects using Turner system breakdown sheets. Maintain historical cost database of data.
• Utilize quantification and cost estimating tools and/or software in use by local business unit.
• May supervise Assistant MEP Estimators, Estimating Assistants and/or Interns.
• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related field, and minimum of 3 years of related Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and Low Voltage System estimating experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Knowledge of Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and Low Voltage systems
• Ability to use critical thinking skills for understanding and interpreting contract documents, drawings, specifications, scopes of work and project schedule to formulate comprehensive cost analysis for Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Electrical, Technology, and Low Voltage systems
• Ability to collaborate with vendors and trade partners and project team members
• Professional written and verbal communication skills to deliver presentations with confidence
• Proficient computer skills and Microsoft Office suite of applications, and adopt quickly to new technology
• Supervisory experience desired

  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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to be mobile, and the employee occasionally travels both short and long distances via a variety of conveyances. The employee occasionally performs work on-site at construction work sites, office locations, and/or off-site venues. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office or remote setting. The noise in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work at construction work sites where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is required to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

  *May perform other duties as assigned. Where applicable, all activities will include disabled and veterans’ organizations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Turner is an Equal Opportunity Employer - race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.