Mechanical & Process Systems Estimator

Legence; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Therma is seeking an experienced Estimator for our San Jose, CA office. You will deliver timely cost estimates for labor and materials on new construction and maintenance projects, analyze drawings, and collaborate with project teams to drive winning proposals.

Ideal candidates have 5–10 years in Mechanical, Plumbing, or Process Piping estimating, proficiency with Trimble AutoBid and other tools, and strong Excel/Project skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction, Mechanical & process systems industry.
• Experience estimating medium to large projects.
• Knowledge of MCAA.
• Experience using estimating software such as Trimble AutoBid, Highlands Construction Software, Quote Soft, or equal.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite applications; Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project.
• Reviewing customer requests for quotes for both deliverable and quality requirements.
• Communicating with customers / project teams to accurately define requirements and expectations.
• Consolidating all outside costs and internal costs associated with fabrication and installation.
• Creating detailed estimate packages for final review with associated backup documentation.
• Writing clarification letters for estimates performed.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and accurate cost estimates of labor and materials for new construction or maintenance projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
• Work collaboratively with peer estimators, project managers, engineers, detailers, vendors.
• Manage project management teams' expectations through written and verbal communications.
• Use estimating software and takeoffs; estimate manually from experience when needed.
• Ensure accuracy of all components of estimating workbook spreadsheets (labor hours, rates, cost allocations, materials, etc.).
• Attend job walks, bid reviews, and meetings as needed.

Skills

Estimating software

Excel

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

College degree in Construction Management / Engineering

Tools

Trimble AutoBid

Highlands Construction Software

Quote Soft

AutoCAD & Revit

Bluebeam

Adobe PDF

Job description

Therma is a leader in delivering innovative mechanical, plumbing, and process piping solutions across some of the most complex and technically demanding projects in the industry. We’re looking for an experienced Estimator who wants to do more than just build numbers—you’ll help define project strategy, drive competitive positioning, and influence which work we pursue and win. In this role, your expertise will directly impact project success, business growth, and the strength of our client partnerships.

Note: Active Union member may apply and will be considered equally to Non-Union applicants for this estimating position. Foreman, General Foreman, Superintendents are encouraged to apply for this estimating position. Field experience will be considered if a professional estimating position has never been held.

Position: Full-time, In-office -San Jose, CA

Compensation: $140k-$175k.

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Also, additional job duties may be assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing timely and accurate cost estimates of labor and materials for new construction, or maintenance projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
• Work collaboratively with other peer estimators, project managers, engineers, detailers, vendors.
• Manage project management teams expectations through communications both written and verbal.
• Able to use estimating software, software tools to perform project takeoffs. Also ability from experience to be able to estimate work manually with takeoffs and labor and hour calculations.
• Responsible for accuracy of all components of estimating workbook spreadsheets including verifying correct labor hours are assigned to the proper tasks, labor rates are accurate, internal cost allocations, assumption, material, transportation, and other services not performed by company.
• Ensures compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Attend job walks, bid review, meetings as needed.

Job Requirements:

• Experience in construction, Mechanical & process systems industry.
• Experience estimating medium to large projects.
• Knowledge of MCAA.
• Experience using Estimating software such as Trimble AutoBid, Highlands Construction Software, Quote Soft, or equal.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite applications; Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project.
• Reviewing customer requests for quotes for both deliverable and quality requirements.
• Communicating with customers / project teams to accurately define requirements and expectations.
• Consolidating all outside costs and internal costs associated with fabrication and installation.
• Creating detailed estimate packages for final review with associated backup documentation.
• Writing clarification letters for estimates performed.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Education/Experience:

• Knowledge of construction industry.
• 5-10 years field experience in Mechanical, Plumbing, or Process Piping industry
• Basic knowledge of piping codes
• College degree in Construction Management / Engineering or related field a plus
• Microsoft suite applications; Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project.
• Bluebeam and Adobe PDF applications.
• Autodesk AutoCAD & Revit basic knowledge and navigation of drawings / models a plus.

Critical Competencies:

• ORGANIZED: Sense of urgency with the ability to set priorities and build action plans to drive timely execution. Thorough, methodical, and result-oriented with great attention to detail.
• PROBLEM-SOLVING: Able to identify patterns beyond noise or incomplete information by demonstrating a willingness to engage by asking questions and articulating relevant problem statements and drive toward logical conclusions and decision points. Attention to detail, able to segregate beliefs and assumptions from facts. Demonstrate strong judgment to turn information into insights, practical solutions, and decision-ready recommendations.
• AGILE: Hands-on with ability to shift back and forth from self-reliance and personal accountability to cross-group collaboration while making others successful along the way. Adaptable and willing to adjust style to audience, learn and grow with the company.
• Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate.
• Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

What This Role Is

• A high-impact, highly visible role directly influencing project wins and business performance
• A blend of technical analysis and real-world construction insight
• A collaborative partnership role with operations, engineering, and leadership
• An opportunity to work on complex, meaningful mechanical/process projects

What This Role Isn’t

• Purely administrative or data entry. This role requires critical thinking and ownership
• Isolated work. You’ll be expected to engage regularly with teams and stakeholders
• Entry-level—you’ll need hands-on field or estimating experience to be successful
• Limited in scope. You’ll have visibility into full project lifecycle considerations, not just numbers