Preconstruction Engineer I — Building Automation Estimator

Hoffman Building Technologies; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoffmann & Hoffman, Inc. seeks a Preconstruction Engineer I to support growth by developing accurate, well‑documented cost estimates and scopes of work for building automation projects and service opportunities, based on direction from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers.

This is an in‑office position. You will perform detailed quantity takeoffs, develop materials and labor cost estimates, and prepare clear back‑ups to enable compelling proposals and pricing strategies.

Qualifications

• Degree or coursework in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent experience in HVAC, BAS, or construction estimating considered.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and detail‑orientation skills for takeoffs and cost build‑ups.
• Basic understanding of HVAC and/or building automation systems with the desire and capacity to deepen technical knowledge.
• Proficiency with Excel, basic estimating or takeoff tools (Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar), and comfort learning company estimating systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document assumptions, coordinate with vendors/subcontractors, and collaborate with Inside and Outside Sales Engineers and project teams.
• Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team‑oriented mindset with a strong internal customer service focus toward the sales and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, addenda, and related documents to understand the defined scope and basis of design for building automation work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (devices, controllers, panels, wiring quantities where applicable, labor units, and subcontractor needs) in alignment with the intent and approach defined by Inside and Outside Sales Engineers.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, subcontractors, and other project costs using company standards, historical data, and approved estimating tools.
• Prepare clear estimate back‑up, including bill of materials, labor summaries, and documented assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions, so Inside and Outside Sales Engineers can build compelling proposals and pricing strategies.
• Work closely with Inside and Outside Sales Engineers to confirm the estimating basis before and after each major estimate.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations, ensuring clarity of scope and consistency with the overall estimate.
• Assist Inside Sales Engineers with assembling internal estimate packages and customer‑facing proposal inputs while leaving final value messaging and pricing strategy to the sales team.
• Support revision of estimates for scope changes, addenda, and value‑engineering ideas identified by the sales team or customers.

Skills

Reading drawings

Quantities takeoffs

Cost estimation

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Engineering degree or coursework

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

Estimating systems

Excel

Job description

Hoffmann & Hoffman, Inc. seeks a Preconstruction Engineer I to support growth by developing accurate, well‑documented cost estimates and scopes of work for building automation projects and service opportunities, based on direction from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers.

This is an in‑office position. You will perform detailed quantity takeoffs, develop materials and labor cost estimates, and prepare clear back‑ups to enable compelling proposals and pricing strategies.