MEP Estimator

Suffolk Construction; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk Construction is seeking an experienced MEP Estimator to develop cost estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across diverse projects. You will work with project teams, design professionals, and subcontractors to ensure accurate budgeting and timely forecasting.

The role emphasizes collaboration, market awareness, and value engineering, with BIM familiarity considered a plus. Join a team that values precision, integrity, and performance in large-scale commercial

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of estimating MEP systems for construction projects.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems, codes, and construction methods.
• Knowledge of market conditions and pricing trends for MEP materials and labor.
• Experience with design-build and preconstruction phases; BIM familiarity a plus.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to collaborate with clients and vendors.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in estimates and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed MEP estimates for construction projects across sectors (commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, governmental).
• Analyze drawings, specs, and addenda to determine scope, materials, labor, and equipment.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, procurement, architects, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from MEP subcontractors and suppliers.
• Prepare cost comparisons and value engineering options to optimize efficiency and costs.
• Track market trends, material pricing, and labor costs to stay current.
• Provide risk analysis and identify potential challenges related to MEP budgets.
• Participate in client and team meetings to present estimates and explain cost drivers.
• Support bid submissions and negotiate with subcontractors/vendors as needed.
• Maintain and update estimating databases and historical cost data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Mathematical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Estimating software OST

Bluebeam

MS Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Suffolk is seeking people who are bold. Curious. Innovative. Caring. Looking for the career opportunity of a lifetime. We'll challenge and inspire you to be your very best. We'll embrace what makes you unique and lift you up as you take chances. Here, you'll find a place where you can act with purpose and integrity, bringing intelligence and grit to every aspect of your job. Join us for the chance to achieve your ambitions and build your legacy.

The MEP Estimator is responsible for developing cost estimates for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems in various construction projects. This position involves collaboration with project managers, design teams, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure accurate budgeting and project forecasting for large-scale projects. The MEP Estimator plays a key role in the preconstruction process, contributing to informed decision-making and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed MEP estimates (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) for construction projects across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, and governmental.


• Analyze project drawings, specifications, and addenda to determine project scope and required materials, labor, and equipment.


• Collaborate with internal teams (project management, engineering, procurement) and external parties (architects, subcontractors, vendors) to develop accurate cost estimates.


• Solicit and evaluate pricing from MEP subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive and complete estimates.


• Prepare cost comparisons and value engineering options to optimize project efficiency and reduce costs without compromising quality.


• Track and monitor market trends, material pricing, and labor costs to ensure estimates are current and competitive.


• Provide risk analysis and identify potential project challenges related to MEP systems and budgets.


• Participate in client and team meetings to present estimates, address questions, and explain cost drivers.


• Support bid submissions and negotiate with subcontractors/vendors as needed.


• Maintain and update estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).


• 5+ years of experience in estimating MEP systems for construction projects.


• Strong understanding of MEP systems, codes, and construction methods.


• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., OST, Bluebeam) and MS Office Suite.


• Knowledge of market conditions and pricing trends for MEP materials and labor.


• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.


• Strong communication and negotiation skills to collaborate with clients, subcontractors, and team members.


• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in estimates and forecasts.


• Experience with design-build and preconstruction phases for large-scale commercial projects and familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) processes and technologies a plus.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stands; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk.

Compensation Information

Where required by law, pay ranges can be found in Suffolk's job postings. Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk's total rewards package for employees. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall total rewards strategy. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly to reflect market trends.

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and inve