Process Mechanical Estimator

Walsh Group; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel to project sites

Growth opportunities

Competitive compensation

Job summary

The Walsh Group is seeking a Process Mechanical Estimator for the Water division in Louisville, KY. You will develop accurate, competitive estimates for complex process piping, equipment and systems, supporting multiple delivery methods including design-build and hard bid.

Required is a strong background in industrial process piping and mechanical systems, with 5+ years of experience or 10 years in the field, plus proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid/WinEst.

Qualifications

• 10 years of mechanical estimating/construction experience or 5 years with a relevant College Degree
• Technical expertise in estimating industrial process piping, pumps, valves, or wastewater/water treatment equipment
• Market understanding of process equipment costs and vendor lead times
• Experience with design-build, progressive design-build or hard bid delivery models
• Advanced estimating software proficiency and digital takeoff tools
• Ability to coordinate with Lead Estimator and bidding teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Responsibilities

• Review complex project plans and specs to define process mechanical scopes and equipment costs
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for self-perform piping and mechanical systems
• Assess constructability, spatial constraints, rigging, and material compatibility
• Solicit subcontractor quotes and analyze vendor bids
• Prepare estimates for multiple delivery methods (DB, Progressive DB, Hard Bid)
• Assist with post-bid buyouts and vendor negotiations
• Engage with process equipment suppliers and regional subcontractors
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and certifications
• Travel to project sites, fabrication shops, and offices as needed

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Communication

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Collaboration

Presentation skills

Written and oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

WinEst

Job description

OVERVIEW

We are currently seeking a Process Mechanical Estimator for our water division in Louisville, KY.

The Process Mechanical Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and timely proposals and estimates for heavy civil and industrial projects, with a primary focus on Process Mechanical systems and Process Equipment. This role ensures that Walsh is a responsive bidder by driving precision in piping, instrumentation, and equipment scopes. Senior Estimators in this track are subject matter experts in specialized industrial trades or are training to become Lead Estimators on major mechanical-heavy projects.

As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, Walsh recruits individuals who are seeking a small company feel with a large company backing. Walsh is a successful fast-growing company at the forefront of technology and is committed to being the employer of choice to our employees and the builder of choice to our customers.

There are many compelling reasons why exceptional people should consider a career with our company:

• Challenging, complex work
• Creative and innovative problem-solving environment
• Supportive, communicative managers who reward hard work
• Opportunities for growth, training, and development
• Flexibility in career path & progression
• Opportunities to work and live all over the United States

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Scope & Plan Review: Reviews complex project plans, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and technical specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of process mechanical scopes, labor requirements, and specialized equipment costs.
• Quantity Takeoffs & Pricing: Prepares detailed quantity takeoffs and production-based pricing for self-perform process piping, mechanical systems, and unit price estimating.
• Constructability Assessment: Reviews bid documents and equipment data sheets to assess constructability, spatial constraints, rigging requirements, and product material compatibility.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Solicitation: Initiates solicitations and high-level technical discussions with process equipment manufacturers and specialized mechanical subcontractors. Prepares comprehensive bid packages, performs detailed alignment/comparison of competitive vendor quotes, and analyzes supplier workload and performance.
• Multi-Delivery System Estimates: Prepares process-heavy estimates tailored to multiple delivery systems (e.g., Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, Hard Bid) and reviews estimates collaboratively with the project management team.
• Post-Bid Buyout: Assists project teams with critical post-bid mechanical buyouts and vendor negotiations.
• Market Engagement: Initiates and participates in meet-and-greet presentations with key process equipment suppliers, fabricators, and regional mechanical subcontractors.
• Compliance: Comprehends and ensures compliance with contract requirements for diversity and specialized manufacturing certifications
• Required to travel to project sites, fabrication shops, and regional offices for projects currently bidding across different regions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10 years of mechanical estimating/construction experience, OR a relevant College Degree (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management) with 5 years of specialized experience.
• Technical Expertise: Strong background in estimating industrial process piping, pumps, valves, chemical feed systems, or wastewater/water treatment process equipment.
• Market & Risk Intelligence: Deep understanding of process equipment market conditions, volatile material costs (e.g., stainless steel, specialized alloys), and vendor lead times.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced understanding of industry-standard estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, WinEst) and digital takeoff tools.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work independently on dedicated mechanical scopes while seamlessly coordinating with the overall Lead Estimator and multidisciplinary bidding teams.
• Analytical Precision: Ability to identify subtle but critical scope gaps or differences in complex technical subcontractor and vendor quotations.
• Effective presentation skills
• Excellent written and oral communicator

Division: Water

Job Category: Estimating

Job Type: Full_time

The Walsh Group, Ltd. Is committed to providing equal opportunity to qualified applicants with disabilities to compete for jobs. To request a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, please contact the Human Resources Department at 312-563-5905 or [e-mail].

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability/Veteran