Project Estimator

South Coast Mechanical; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SOUTH COAST FACILITY SERVICES in Anaheim, CA is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimates for large, complex HVAC projects across plan-and-spec, design-build, and retrofit work. You will set pricing strategy, review estimates, mentor estimators, and collaborate with design engineers and account executives to ensure accurate, competitive bids and profitable proposals.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in HVAC estimating, a bachelor’s degree in CM/ME, and strong proficiency with AutoBid and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial HVAC estimating (plan-and-spec, design-build, retrofit) on $5M+ projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates for large/complex HVAC projects (plan-and-spec, design-build, negotiated, retrofit).
• Set pricing and bid strategy; review estimates for accuracy and coverage.
• Mentor estimators and manage bid calendar to meet deadlines.
• Present proposals to customers and support negotiations with Sales.
• Coordinate with design engineers and Account Executives on scope and value engineering.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Pricing strategy

Takeoffs

Design-build

Contract risk

Vendor relations

AutoBid

Bluebeam

MS Office

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in CM/ME

Tools

Trimble AutoBid

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

SOUTH COAST FACILITY SERVICES is a full-service MEP contractor that designs & installs HVAC equipment, delivers Energy Services, and provides process piping & direct digital control systems. Our mission is to provide high quality mechanical, electrical and plumbing solutions through service and retro-fit construction; provide continuous education to our employees; lead the industry with innovation and technology.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Estimator leads the estimating function for SCFS’s largest and most complex commercial HVAC opportunities across plan-and-spec, design-build, negotiated, and retrofit work. This role owns pricing strategy and bid/no-bid recommendations, reviews and approves estimates prepared by other estimators, maintains company cost and labor standards, and mentors the estimating team to deliver accurate, competitive, and profitable proposals. Perform all duties in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures, all US state and federal laws and regulations, wherein the company operates.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead estimates for the company’s largest and most complex HVAC projects, including plan-and-spec hard bids, design-build, design-assist, negotiated, and retrofit work.
• Set pricing and bid strategy for assigned and team bids, including markups, labor rates, contingency, and risk, and recommend final bid prices to the Director of Mechanical Operations.
• Review and approve estimates prepared by Plan and Spec, Project, and Retrofit & Special Projects Estimators for accuracy, completeness, scope coverage, and pricing consistency.
• Make bid/no-bid recommendations based on project risk, backlog, margin goals, and customer relationships.
• Perform detailed takeoffs and develop conceptual, budgetary, and detailed estimates from engineered plans, partial designs, and site surveys.
• Review specifications, contracts, and addenda for scope gaps, risk, and unfavorable terms; develop clarifications and exclusions.
• Coordinate with design engineers and Account Executives on design-build scope, system selection, and value-engineering options.
• Determine manpower requirements (union environment) and labor productivity factors, including prevailing wage requirements on public work.
• Obtain and level subcontractor, equipment, and material quotes; maintain strong vendor and subcontractor relationships.
• Maintain the company’s estimating standards, labor units, cost database, and templates in Trimble AutoBid and Bluebeam.
• Track bid results, win/loss data, and estimate-to-actual job cost performance to refine future pricing.
• Mentor and train estimators on takeoff methods, pricing, software, and bid strategy.
• Manage the estimating bid calendar and workload to meet bid deadlines.
• Present proposals to customers and support negotiations with the Sales team.
• Lead project turnover meetings with Project Managers after award.
• Regular attendance and timeliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES:

• Current knowledge of Mechanical industry standards and codes.
• Able to interpret construction plans and specification.
• Current knowledge of HVAC piping, sheet metal ducts, VRV applications, boilers, chillers and refrigeration systems is required
• Knowledge of plumbing, HVAC controls, BAS systems is a plus
• Expert knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, construction methods, and estimating for plan-and-spec, design-build, and retrofit work.
• Strong understanding of contract terms, risk assessment, and job cost analysis.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and review the work of other estimators.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems from major refrigerant companies is desired (Carrier, Trane, JCI, Daikin and Hussmann)
• Strong work ethic & extremely detail oriented
• Experience working both independently and in team-oriented, collaborative work environments
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to work closely with customers, General Contractors and Project Managers
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in Bluebeam
• Proficient in Trimble AutoBid

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR LICENSES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Minimum [10] years of experience in commercial and applied HVAC construction estimating, including plan-and-spec, design-build, and retrofit work on projects of $[5]M or more.
• Ability to read blueprints and CAD drawings
• Demonstrated ability with commercial estimating software