Process Mechanical Estimator - Water & Wastewater Construction

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is seeking a Process Mechanical Estimator for Water & Wastewater construction to develop accurate cost models and support GMP planning.

The role involves reviewing drawings, specifications, P&IDs, performing takeoffs, and coordinating with vendors and trades to price packages. Collaboration with design phase partners and operations is essential for scope alignment throughout the estimating process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 2–7 years equivalent estimating experience for process mechanical piping.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and P&IDs to define process mechanical scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for piping, valves, fittings, and equipment.
• Coordinate pricing with vendors and subs; maintain estimate detail and reports.
• Support design reviews, GMP planning, and buyout activities.
• Handoff estimates to operations and reconcile during late design to early construction.

Skills

Process know-how

Piping systems

Vendor coordination

Estimating support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering

Tools

Quote Express

WinEst

BuildingConnected

Join

Job description

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is one of America's premier commercial construction companies. Our reputation for tackling the toughest building challenges starts with our focus on building high-performing teams that collaborate with clients and industry partners starting in the earliest stages of design, throughout construction and beyond project completion. With offices and employees nationwide, we specialize in a wide range of project types including healthcare, education, renewable energy, marine, water/wastewater, commercial office and retail, hospitality/entertainment and airports. Originally founded as a family business in 1864, today we are proud to 100 percent employee-owned.

Position Summary

The Process Mechanical Estimator - Water & Wastewater Construction develops accurate, competitive cost models for water and wastewater projects, with a focus on process mechanical piping and related equipment systems. This role reviews drawings, specifications, and P&IDs; performs quantity takeoff; coordinates vendor and trade pricing; builds estimate detail; and supports estimate reviews, trending, and GMP development.

This position works closely with design phase partners, operations, procurement, and other discipline estimators to align scope, labor strategy, pricing, and risk throughout the estimating process.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, contract documents, and P&IDs to define complete process mechanical scope.
• Perform quantity takeoff for piping systems, valves, fittings, supports, instruments, penetrations, and related components.
• Set up and maintain takeoff files, estimating structure, system zones, specifications, job items, assemblies, and reports.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor, fabricator, and subcontractor pricing.
• Coordinate with other discipline estimators to prevent scope gaps and duplication.
• Partner with operations to review installation approach, labor assumptions, productivity, sequencing, and means and methods.
• Build estimate detail and support summaries, reconciliations, internal reviews, and owner deliverables.
• Participate in estimate reviews, scope reconciliation, design review, trending, and GMP or buyout planning.
• Support development of qualifications, clarifications, assumptions, and scope narratives.
• Maintain organized estimate files, backup, and historical reference information.
• Support project handoff to operations and reconciliation through late design and early construction as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related degrees required and minimum of 2-7 years' equivalent experience required.
• Strong understanding of process mechanical systems used in water and wastewater facilities.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, flow diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Working knowledge of common piping materials and related components.
• Understanding of scope development, material pricing, labor buildup, and constructability.
• Strong organization, accuracy, and follow-through.
• Strong communication and coordination skills with internal teams, vendors, and operations partners.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet-based estimate support and reporting.Ability to identify scope gaps, conflicts, and risk items early in design.
• Experience estimating process mechanical piping and equipment installation for water or wastewater projects.
• Familiarity with self-perform construction, procurement workflows, and shop or fabrication coordination preferred.
• Experience using Quote Express, WinEst, BuildingConnected, Join, or similar tools preferred.
• Understanding of GMP, CMAR, design-build, or progressive delivery environments preferred.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $80,000-$93,000. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.