MEP Senior Estimator - Special Projects

Southland Industries; Virginia; On-site; USD 118,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 50% company match

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Pre-tax flexible spending plans

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays/vacation/personal time

Training/professional development

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking an experienced estimator to prepare and defend mechanical, electrical, and plumbing project estimates for a diverse portfolio in Virginia. The role emphasizes existing building work, renovations, and fast-paced projects requiring adaptability and accuracy.

You will craft take-offs with Auto Bid Mechanical, review bids, and collaborate with the Chief Estimator to ensure accurate, competitive pricing and profitable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Craft quantified take-offs using Auto Bid Mechanical estimating software.
• Review RFPs, specs, basis of design, and drawings to determine scope and cost; prepare estimates for small to medium projects.
• Support existing building work, renovations, tenant improvements, and smaller jobs with quick turnaround and problem-solving.
• Analyze and compare subcontractor bids and troubleshoot issues before they occur.
• Collaborate with Chief Estimator to finalize reports and defend estimate assumptions.

Skills

MEP engineering

Project management

Estimating

Take-offs

Piping design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management

Equivalent technical training

Tools

Auto Bid Mechanical

Quick Pen

Job description

Position Summary

The position is responsible for estimating bids across a diverse portfolio of work including hospitality, healthcare, data centers, commercial, institutional, municipal, and other projects in the public and private sectors. This role will also support special projects, with a focus on existing building work, renovations, retrofits, and smaller, fast-paced projects, requiring a high level of adaptability and attention to detail.

Position Details

• Craft quantified take-offs using Auto Bid Mechanical (formerly Quick Pen) estimating software.

• Determine the scope of work and required contents of the estimate by reviewing RFPs, specifications, basis of design, and drawings; then develop estimates for small to medium-sized projects independently and contribute to large project estimates as part of a team.

• Support special projects and existing building work, including renovations, tenant improvements, and smaller-scale jobs that often require creative problem-solving, quick turnaround times, and incomplete or evolving design documents.

• Analyze and compare subcontractor/supplier bids and proactively troubleshoot project issues before they occur.

• Partner with the Chief Estimator to finalize estimate reports, evaluate job costs and profitability, and clearly defend estimate assumptions and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management AND/OR equivalent technical training or experience.

• 7–10 years of commercial MEP engineering, project management, plumbing installation, and/or estimating experience.

• Experience with existing buildings, renovations, or special projects environments is highly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of piping, plumbing, and sheet metal design; experience preparing take-offs; and solid understanding of industry equipment and system operations. We’re design-build mechanical — it’s what we do.

• Quick Pen experience is a plus.

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)

• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability

• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance

• Disability income protection insurance

• Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)

• Paid parental leave

• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time

• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses

• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued.

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities (https://southlandind.foleon.com/experienced-professionals/brochure/) , follow us on social media (https://www.linkedin.com/company/22132/?trk=tyah) , and check out our website (https://southlandind.com/) .

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay

Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For Virginia this ranges from $118,119.00.00 - $144,368.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.

Contingent Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.