Mechanical & Process Systems Estimator

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

Job summary

Therma is seeking an experienced Estimator to define project strategy, drive competitive positioning, and influence which work we pursue and win. In-office in San Jose, CA, this full-time role offers a compensation range of $140k–$175k and the opportunity to impact project success and client partnerships.

Responsibilities include cost estimates, analyzing drawings, collaborating with project teams, and ensuring accuracy of estimating workbooks.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years field experience in Mechanical, Plumbing or Process Piping industry.
• Experience estimating medium to large projects.
• Knowledge of MCAA.
• Proficient in estimating software: Trimble AutoBid, Highlands, Quote Soft.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project.
• Ability to review customer requests for quotes and define requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and accurate cost estimates of labor and materials for new construction or maintenance projects.
• Analyze drawings, specs and project documents to prepare time, cost and labor estimates.
• Collaborate with peer estimators, project managers, engineers, detailers and vendors.
• Manage project expectations through written and verbal communications.
• Use estimating software and perform manual takeoffs as needed.

Skills

Estimating experience

Communicating

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

MS Office

Education

Degree in Construction Management / Engineering or related field

Tools

Trimble AutoBid

Highlands Construction Software

Quote Soft

Bluebeam

AutoCAD & Revit (basic)

Job description

Therma, a Legence Company For over 50 years, Therma has continued to redefine the mechanical construction landscapes in California. Renowned for outstanding client service and attention to detail, we balance innovative, facility-specific solutions with a pragmatic, cost-conscious approach. Today, the firm employs more than 1,100 people in 3 regional offices, and its clients represent a diverse range of market sectors, including Biopharmaceutical, Education, Healthcare, Food & Beverage, Commercial, Industrial and Data Center facilities. Our culture is open, innovative, collaborative, and fun – all reflected in recognition of Therma as a #1 Best Place to Work on multiple occasions. We create an environment that empowers & challenges employees, giving them the greatest opportunity to succeed.

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

About Legence

Legence (Nasdaq: LGN) is a leading provider of engineering, consulting, installation, and maintenance services for mission-critical systems in buildings. The company specializes in designing, fabricating, and installing complex HVAC, process piping, and other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems—enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in new and existing facilities. Legence also delivers long-term performance through strategic upgrades and holistic solutions. Serving some of the world’s most technically demanding sectors, Legence counts over 60% of the Nasdaq-100 Index among its clients.

Benefits Overview

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match: Currently match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay; immediate vesting.
• Health & Welfare Benefits: Employer provided medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, Employee Assistance Program and accident & illness coverage.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer provided basic life insurance and AD&D valued at 50K coverage amount with the option for voluntary buy up for additional coverage.
• Time Off: Flexible non-accrual vacation (separate from CA sick leave); company holidays per policy.
• Expenses: Business travel and related expenses reimbursed per company policy.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail] or your dedicated recruiter with the job title and requisition number.

Employment Eligibility

Candidates must have current work authorization in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Legence and its affiliate companies are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital or familial status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, and any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations. EEO is the Law.