MEP Estimator - Data Center Construction - Texas

Irving Knight Group; Texas; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Health coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

Irving Knight Group Texas is seeking a seasoned MEP Estimator to develop estimates for data center and mission-critical projects. You will review drawings, identify scope gaps, and prepare bid packages and change-order estimates.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years in MEP or construction estimating, strong Excel skills, and experience with subcontractor pricing, value engineering, and cost-control initiatives. This hybrid role requires travel to project sites and client meetings.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in MEP or construction estimating (preconstruction).
• Experience with data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, industrial, or similar complex projects.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing costs, labor, materials, and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes across data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, and other complex construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work to complete accurate quantity takeoffs and identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, risks, and clarifications.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Develop cost breakdowns, bid comparisons, scope summaries, and bid packages.
• Coordinate pricing and scope reviews with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, preconstruction teams, project managers, engineers, and operations teams.
• Support value engineering, budgeting, forecasting, procurement planning, and cost-control initiatives.

Skills

MEP estimating

construction estimating

quantity takeoffs

subcontractor pricing

proposal leveling

Excel

communication

negotiation

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Accubid

Trimble Estimation MEP

Bluebeam

ConEst

Procore

Job description

Irving Knight Group Texas, United States (Hybrid)

Location: Texas

Package: $120,000-$180,000+ - Experience Dependent

Benefits: Full Health coverage, paid time off and retirement plans.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes across data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, and other complex construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work to complete accurate quantity takeoffs and identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, risks, and clarifications.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Develop cost breakdowns, bid comparisons, scope summaries, and bid packages.
• Coordinate pricing and scope reviews with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, preconstruction teams, project managers, engineers, and operations teams.
• Support value engineering, budgeting, forecasting, procurement planning, and cost-control initiatives.
• Maintain current pricing information for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Prepare estimates for change orders, design revisions, and scope changes.
• Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, project meetings, and turnover from preconstruction to project delivery.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, databases, bid documentation, and project files.
• Manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines across active projects.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in MEP estimating, construction estimating, preconstruction, or a related role.
• Experience with data center, mission-critical, semiconductor, industrial, commercial, or similarly complex construction projects.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, construction methods, and installation requirements.
• Proven experience with quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, subcontractor pricing, and proposal leveling.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work.
• Strong understanding of labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general-condition costs.
• Ability to identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, risks, and estimating discrepancies.
• Familiarity with critical power, electrical distribution, generators, UPS systems, switchgear, HVAC, cooling systems, controls, plumbing, and fire protection preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as Accubid, Trimble Estimation MEP, Bluebeam, ConEst, McCormick, OST, Procore, or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Engineering degree, technical qualification, or equivalent practical construction experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, subcontractor meetings, and client meetings as required.