MEP Project Estimator – Industrial Construction (HOU, TX)

BW Industrial Construction; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BW Industrial Construction is seeking a Project Estimator to support pre-construction and planning for industrial projects. The role emphasizes MEP and CSA scopes, quantity take-offs, and detailed cost estimates to guide bidding and execution.

You will collaborate with project teams, vendors, and clients, perform site walks, interpret drawings and specifications, and prepare cost breakdowns with clear narratives and assumptions for audit-ready proposals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience for a general contractor.
• Industrial, manufacturing, EPC, or heavy commercial exposure.
• Proficiency with RSMeans and Bluebeam estimating platforms.
• Experience estimating MEP systems: electrical, mechanical, piping, and related work.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, isometrics, and mechanical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and plans to build accurate cost estimates.
• Perform CSA and MEP takeoffs including civil/site work and structural components.
• Conduct job walks to verify scope and field conditions.
• Coordinate with PMs, engineers, architects, and subcontractors on requirements.
• Apply GC estimating practices, buyout, scope alignment, and bid leveling.
• Submit bid proposals with alternates and value engineering options.
• Update takeoffs and resolve bid variances as needed.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing.
• Communicate estimating assumptions and change orders to owners during bidding.
• Maintain organized estimating files and historical pricing for audits.
• Support handoff with clear scope summaries and cost breakdowns.
• Assist BD with conceptual estimates and early cost models for proposals.

Skills

Estimating proficiency

Quantity takeoffs

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Some college coursework or trade school

Tools

RSMeans

Bluebeam

Job description

The Project Estimator supports BW Industrial Construction’s pre‑construction and planning efforts by developing accurate, detailed cost estimates for industrial projects. This role focuses on MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems and requires strong familiarity with CSA (Civil/Structural/Architectural) scopes. The Estimator performs quantity take‑offs, analyzes drawings and specifications, prepares scope narratives, and collaborates closely with project teams, vendors, and clients to ensure precise financial planning and well‑defined project execution.

This position requires strong technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings experience working for a general contractor, exposure to industrial or EPC‑style environments, and the ability to work proactively in a fast‑paced, field‑supportive organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and plan documents to develop accurate, competitive cost estimates for industrial projects.
• Perform detailed CSA and MEP quantity takeoffs, including civil/site work, structural steel, architectural finishes, mechanical piping, electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.
• Conduct job walk‑downs to verify scope, field conditions, and constraints.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Architects, and subcontractors to ensure estimates reflect project requirements and constructability.
• Apply estimating practices consistent with general contractor workflows, including subcontractor buyout, scope alignment, and bid leveling
• Submit bid proposals with alternates, clarifications, and value‑engineering options.
• Resolve bid variances and update takeoffs or assumptions as needed.
• Maintain strong subcontractor and vendor relationships across CSA and MEP trades; negotiate competitive pricing.
• Communicate estimating assumptions and change‑order rationale to owners during the bidding phase.
• Maintain organized estimating files, historical pricing, and documentation for audit‑ready accuracy.
• Support project handoff by providing clear scope summaries, assumptions, and cost breakdowns to Operations.
• Support business development efforts by preparing conceptual estimates, early cost models, and pricing inputs for proposals and client discussions.

Qualifications

• Some college coursework, trade school or a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience working for a general contractor (required)with proven work in industrial, manufacturing, EPC, or heavy commercial environments.
• Strong proficiency in construction estimating, quantity take‑offs, and GC‑standard estimating platforms (RSMeans, Bluebeam).
• Demonstrated expertise estimating MEP systems including electrical distribution, switchgear, panels, mechanical piping, ductwork, chilled/cooling water systems, and compressed air systems.
• Ability to interpret and coordinate P&IDs, isometrics, electrical one‑lines, mechanical drawings, utility tie‑ins, and production line layouts
• Solid working knowledge of CSA scopes: civil/site work, foundations, structural steel, architectural finishes, and building envelope components.
• Established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers across Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and CSA trades (highly desirable).
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure competitive pricing.
• Exceptional mathematical accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to produce defensible, transparent cost breakdowns.
• Excellent time management skills; able to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must have a clear driving record and be able to pass background check and drug screening.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

BW Industrial Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Recruitment Notice

BW Industrial Construction manages contractor and candidate sourcing directly and is not accepting agency submissions for this role. https://bwindustrialconstruction.bamboohr.com/careers

We review applications on a rolling basis. If selected for next steps, a member of our team will contact you directly. Please do not send resumes via email or social media.