SEI - Mechanical Preconstruction Engineer

Clayco; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Clayco SEI is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to drive cost estimates for process and mechanical systems on heavy manufacturing and mission-critical projects. You will collaborate with engineers, architects, subcontractors and field personnel to develop accurate estimates from drawings, specs and BIM data.

Travel nationwide is required; candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management and 3+ years estimating experience with proficiency in BlueBeam,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience in mechanical/related fields.
• Experience estimating mechanical systems for heavy manufacturing or mission critical projects.
• Strong writing, math and computer skills; familiarity with estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings, specs, BIM models and addenda.
• Quantify piping, equipment, supports, insulation, controls and accessories.
• Review design changes and cost impacts during preconstruction.
• Prepare bid packages and assist with bid/invoice documentation.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors to ensure scope clarity.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Technical Writing

Math Skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Construction Management

Tools

BlueBeam

Navisworks

Revit

Sage Timberline

On Screen Takeoff

Trimble products

Job description

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

About Clayco Systems and Equipment Innovations (SEI)

As part of our integrated service offerings, Clayco’s Systems and Equipment Innovations (SEI) offers a turnkey solution to execute complex building systems and process systems. Clayco SEI provides preconstruction, design, purchasing, and installation of mechanical, electrical, and process scopes of work.

The Role We Want You For

The Mechanical Estimator participates in all aspects of the preconstruction process for Process & Mechanical systems to develop accurate, detailed cost estimates with a focus on heavy/ advanced manufacturing, industrial and mission critical projects.

In this role you will be expected to interact with engineers, architects, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, a multi-discipline estimating team, project supervision, and field personnel.

The Specifics of the Role

Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, BIM models, and addenda using digitized software to support the development of accurate cost estimates.
• Quantify piping, equipment, structural supports, insulation, controls, and associated accessories.
• Maintain accurate takeoff records and supporting estimate documentation.
• Review design changes and assess cost impacts throughout the preconstruction process.
• Assist in the preparation of estimates used for bidding and budgeting purposes (including self-performed work); participate in internal estimate review process and assist with final recap of estimate for presentation to senior management.
• Identify qualified subcontractors, fabricators, suppliers, and vendors for project opportunities.
• Prepare and distribute bid packages, scope sheets, and bid invitations.
• Solicit competitive pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Follow up with bidders to ensure complete and timely bid coverage.
• Maintain bidder lists and vendor relationships.
• Evaluate proposals for scope compliance, completeness, qualifications, and exclusions.

Bid Analysis & Scope Development

• Evaluate vendor and subcontractor for conformance with proposal requirements; level scopes and identify low cost/ best value responses while capturing assumptions, clarifications, inclusions, exclusions, etc.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and potential risks.
• Prepare scope clarifications and leveling sheets.
• Assist in preparing written scopes of work for subcontracts and suppliers and coordinating mechanical scopes with the work of other trades (e.g., civil, structural, architectural, electrical, etc.).
• Coordinate value engineering and alternate pricing efforts.

Preconstruction Planning

• Periodically attend pre-bid meetings to become familiar with unique project requirements and analyze existing site conditions to determine required scope that is not already indicated.
• Review contract documents, drawings, and specifications to identify constructability concerns.
• Support project management tasks, including budgeting, schedule development, interim design review, change order pricing, procurement, value engineering, and vendor selection based on proposal development.
• Participate in pre-proposal design coordination meetings to support the development of pricing documents for conceptual estimates.
• Provide cost feedback during design development and document review stages.
• Support development of logistics plans, phasing plans, and fabrication strategies.

Procurement & Material Planning

• Identify long-lead materials and equipment.
• Coordinate budget pricing and procurement strategies with suppliers.
• Track material pricing trends and market conditions.
• Assist project teams with buyout recommendations and procurement planning.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain estimating databases, cost histories, and vendor pricing records.
• Prepare bid summaries, estimate reports, and management review packages.
• Document estimate assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and clarifications.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures and cost tracking systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or a combination of education (including trade schools) and professional experience.
• 3+ years’ experience in construction with 1+ years’ experience estimating mechanical systems (i.e., Process & Mechanical Systems).
• Exhibits inclusive leadership and teamwork behavior, and values diverse perspectives from team members.
• Demonstrated experience in the successful management of bidding process with a preferred emphasis on heavy/ advanced manufacturing, industrial and mission critical markets.
• General knowledge of codes and standards applicable to the design and installation of mechanical systems.
• Possesses strong technical writing, math and computer skills with proficiency using standard office software applications such as BlueBeam, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, On Screen Takeoff, Navisworks, Revit, Building Connected, Beck Destini, and Sage Timberline to support estimating efforts.
• Experience using estimating software with a preference for Trimble products.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.