Senior Commercial HVAC Estimator – Bids & Value Engineering

Trueline; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Performance-based bonus

Onsite position with leadership access

Job summary

Trueline in Tampa, FL is seeking a Lead HVAC Estimator to own the commercial estimating process from bid strategy through handoff to operations. This in‑house role collaborates with field leadership to develop accurate proposals and protect margins.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in HVAC, 3+ years estimating, strong knowledge of ductwork, piping, and labor takeoffs, plus Excel and estimating software proficiency. Remote opportunity requires residing in Tampa.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HVAC industry experience.
• 3+ years of direct HVAC estimating experience.
• Commercial HVAC estimating experience.
• Strong understanding of HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, labor requirements, and installation practices.
• Ability to independently read and interpret mechanical plans, specifications, and construction documents.
• Strong understanding of job costing, labor productivity, gross margin, and project profitability.
• Experience developing detailed equipment, material, and labor takeoffs.
• Ability to manage multiple active bids and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and estimating technology skills.
• Excellent organization, communication, attention to detail, and follow‑through.

Responsibilities

• Own commercial HVAC estimates from initial bid opportunity through final proposal and project handoff
• Review mechanical plans, specifications, bid documents, and scopes of work to develop complete project estimates
• Perform detailed equipment, material, ductwork, piping, and labor takeoffs
• Develop realistic labor projections based on project scope, installation requirements, and field conditions
• Solicit and evaluate equipment, material, vendor, and subcontractor pricing
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, project risks, and potential cost exposure before proposals are submitted
• Develop competitive pricing while maintaining appropriate gross margin and profitability targets
• Manage an organized pipeline of active bids, outstanding proposals, and upcoming opportunities
• Participate in pre‑bid meetings, site walks, and project reviews as needed
• Partner with field and operations leadership to ensure estimates reflect real‑world installation requirements
• Develop value‑engineering alternatives when they can improve project cost, constructability, or competitiveness
• Provide clear, detailed project handoffs to operations after award
• Review completed projects against original estimates to improve future labor, material, and cost assumptions
• Build strong working relationships with general contractors, customers, vendors, and equipment suppliers

Skills

HVAC estimating

Plan review

Takeoffs

Excel

Labor costing

Bid management

Vendor negotiation

Communication

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Trueline in Tampa, FL is seeking a Lead HVAC Estimator to own the commercial estimating process from bid strategy through handoff to operations. This in‑house role collaborates with field leadership to develop accurate proposals and protect margins.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in HVAC, 3+ years estimating, strong knowledge of ductwork, piping, and labor takeoffs, plus Excel and estimating software proficiency. Remote opportunity requires residing in Tampa.