MEP Estimator

Overaa; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401(k)

Paid holidays

On-site gym

Philanthropy program

Job summary

Overaa Construction in Richmond, CA seeks an experienced MEP Estimator to lead mechanical, electrical, and plumbing estimates across diverse commercial projects. You will perform detailed quantity takeoffs, analyze subcontractor pricing, and provide constructability and budget recommendations to internal teams and clients.

You will develop conceptual estimates during early design, identify value-engineering opportunities, and manage multiple estimates to meet bid deadlines in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Five or more years of MEP estimating or preconstruction experience in a commercial construction environment.
• Demonstrated success estimating and managing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes.
• Strong knowledge of commercial MEP systems, installation methods, constructability, and cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Lead successful and competitive MEP estimates for projects across commercial markets.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, and bid analyses.
• Solicit competitive pricing from mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of subcontractor relationships.
• Provide MEP system, constructability, and budget recommendations to clients and internal teams.
• Develop conceptual estimates during early design and preconstruction.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and energy-efficient solutions.
• Support design-build projects and collaborate with design teams and trade partners.

Skills

MEP estimating

Preconstruction

Bid leveling

Quantity takeoffs

Subcontractor pricing

Education

Four-year university degree

Tools

Excel

PlanGrid

On-Screen Takeoff

BuildingConnected

Bluebeam

Job description

Overaa Construction has been building the Bay Area since 1907.

Based in Richmond, we are a leading general contractor serving commercial, education, healthcare, life science, water, industrial, energy, and transportation markets. What truly sets Overaa apart is our people—a team of highly skilled, self-performing craft professionals backed by a culture that feels more like family than a job site.

For more than a decade, Overaa has been recognized as a Bay Area Best Place to Work and consistently outperforms industry benchmarks in compensation and benefits. We’re proud of our legacy, serious about quality, and excited to welcome talented professionals who share our values and want to grow their careers with a company that’s here for the long haul.

MEP Estimator

As an MEP Estimator, you will provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing estimating and preconstruction services across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects. Working closely with a lead estimator and the broader estimating team, you will develop accurate, competitive estimates that support Overaa’s success across multiple market sectors.

You will lead MEP estimates, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, solicit and analyze subcontractor pricing, provide system and budget recommendations, and build strong relationships with trade partners. This position requires extensive MEP knowledge, sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

The MEP Estimator will review and level proposals to verify scope completeness; identify exclusions, qualifications, overlaps, and gaps; evaluate pricing and alternates; and ensure bids align with contract documents and project requirements. This individual must be able to look beyond the bottom-line number, understand the assumptions behind each proposal, recognize potential cost and scope exposure, and clearly communicate findings and recommendations to the preconstruction and project teams.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead successful and competitive MEP estimates for projects across a variety of commercial construction markets.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, and bid analyses.
• Solicit competitive pricing from mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other specialty subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of strong subcontractor and trade-partner relationships.
• Provide MEP system, constructability, and budget recommendations to clients and internal project teams.
• Develop conceptual estimates during early design and preconstruction.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, energy-efficient solutions, and creative problem-solving.
• Support design-build projects and collaborate with design teams, consultants, owners, and trade partners.
• Manage multiple estimates and preconstruction assignments simultaneously.
• Meet bid deadlines and complete assignments accurately and on time in a collaborative team environment.
• Partner with project estimators and operations teams to ensure effective turnover of MEP scopes from preconstruction to construction.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of MEP estimating or preconstruction experience in a commercial construction environment.
• Demonstrated success estimating and managing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes.
• Strong knowledge of commercial MEP systems, installation methods, constructability, and cost drivers.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, subcontractor comparisons, and bid leveling.
• Design-build experience.
• Conceptual estimating experience.
• Ability to provide MEP system and budgetary recommendations to clients and project teams.
• Strong creative problem-solving and value-engineering skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines concurrently.
• Strong organization, communication, collaboration, and follow-through.
• Four-year university degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior estimating experience with a major mechanical or electrical subcontractor.
• Established relationships with Bay Area mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty trade partners.
• Experience estimating projects across multiple commercial construction markets.
• Familiarity with energy-efficient MEP systems and sustainable construction practices.

Software

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Excel-based estimating templates.
• Experience with BuildingConnected bidding software.
• Experience with On-Screen Takeoff.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam.
• Experience with PlanGrid or similar construction-document platforms.

Benefits

As part of our ongoing commitment to our employees, we offer competitive and comprehensive benefit packages.

• Competitive salary
• Incentive and bonus plans
• Medical and pharmacy coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pre-tax child and elder care
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• 401(k) and profit sharing
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• On-site gym and wellness program
• Overaa Cares corporate philanthropy program
• Professional training and continuous improvement programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $135,000 to $160,000 per year. This does not include bonus compensation or benefits such as health, disability, life, or retirement benefits that may affect total compensation. The actual offered salary will depend on factors including experience, skills, education, qualifications, and location. This salary range is subject to future modification.

Privacy Notice

Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), by applying for a position you are providing personal information that Overaa may use to evaluate and communicate with you regarding your candidacy and to obtain and verify background checks and references. This information may include personal identifiers, contact information, employment history, certifications, licenses, and education history. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have received and understand this notice and consent to Overaa’s use of the information for the business purposes described above.