MEP Estimator, Data Centers

Suffolk Construction; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal employment opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading national construction company is seeking an MEP Estimator in Boston, MA. The role involves developing cost estimates for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems in various projects, particularly in the Mission Critical sector. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, 5+ years of experience, and excellent analytical and communication skills. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in estimating MEP systems.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems, codes, and construction methods.
• Experience with design-build and preconstruction phases.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed MEP estimates for construction projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external parties to develop estimates.
• Track market trends and material pricing for estimating accuracy.

Skills

Estimating MEP systems

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering

Construction Management or related field

Tools

Estimating software (e.g., OST, Bluebeam)

MS Office Suite

Job description

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self‑perform construction, and technology start‑up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds.

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $8 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM‑at‑Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

The Role:

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 in the Mission Critical sector, in particular Data Centers
• 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.

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 stand; 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.

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.