Senior Data Center Estimator

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Hybrid work environment

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Company-paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is seeking a Senior Data Center Estimator to lead detailed mechanical estimates for large-scale data center and mission-critical projects. You will drive pricing strategies, manage teams, and coordinate with Preconstruction, Engineering, and Operations to deliver competitive bid packages.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in mechanical estimating, experience with hyperscale facilities, and strong proficiency in estimating software and MS Office.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of mechanical estimating experience
• 5+ years in data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial projects
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, and cost drivers

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed mechanical estimates for large-scale data center projects
• Manage estimating efforts from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission
• Develop estimates for conceptual, design-build/design-assist, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid opportunities
• Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, piping systems
• Analyze drawings and specs to establish project scope and pricing strategy
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and vendor pricing

Skills

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Reading drawings

Mentoring

Labor productivity understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Trimble

QuoteSoft

FastPIPE

Job description

Senior Data Center Estimator

About Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.

Our teams support projects across mission-critical facilities, commercial office, healthcare, higher education, government, multifamily, hospitality, and other complex environments. As VMG continues to expand its presence in the data center and mission-critical market, we are looking for an experienced Senior Data Center Estimator to help lead strategic pursuits and develop competitive mechanical estimates for some of our most complex opportunities.

This role is ideal for an experienced mechanical estimator who understands the unique demands of hyperscale, colocation, and mission-critical construction and wants to play an important role in the continued growth of VMG's data center business.

What You'll Do

Lead Data Center Estimates

• Lead detailed mechanical estimates for large-scale data center and mission-critical construction projects
• Manage estimating efforts from conceptual budgeting and early design through final proposal submission
• Develop estimates for conceptual, design-build, design-assist, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid opportunities
• Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, hydronic piping, process piping, and related mechanical systems
• Analyze drawings, specifications, contract documents, and design information to establish project scope and pricing strategy
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and vendor pricing for complex mechanical scopes

Develop Competitive Project Strategies

• Identify project risks, scope gaps, opportunities, and potential cost impacts throughout the estimating process
• Develop value-engineering alternatives and cost-saving solutions without compromising project requirements
• Evaluate labor productivity, equipment requirements, material costs, and construction sequencing
• Maintain current knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and market conditions
• Utilize historical project data and benchmarking to strengthen estimating accuracy
• Support pricing and pursuit strategies for strategic data center opportunities

Collaborate Across Preconstruction & Operations

• Partner closely with Preconstruction, Engineering, VDC, Project Management, Operations, and Executive Leadership
• Participate in design-assist and design-build preconstruction efforts
• Support constructability reviews and evaluate design development throughout the preconstruction process
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to develop complete and competitive pricing
• Support successful project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations
• Incorporate lessons learned and project performance information into future estimates

Support Strategic Pursuits

• Assist with proposal development, scope narratives, clarifications, qualifications, and client presentations
• Participate in client meetings, bid reviews, and project pursuit discussions
• Support strategic planning related to VMG's continued expansion within the data center market
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, manufacturers, subcontractors, and industry partners
• Provide estimating insight during early project development and pursuit decisions

Mentor & Strengthen the Team

• Provide technical guidance and support to junior Estimators and other Preconstruction team members
• Review estimates and takeoffs for accuracy, completeness, and consistency
• Share data center estimating knowledge and industry best practices across the team
• Contribute to the development of estimating standards, processes, tools, and historical cost databases
• Help strengthen VMG's internal expertise in mission-critical mechanical construction

What You Bring

• 8+ years of mechanical estimating experience
• 5+ years of experience estimating data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial projects
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC, chilled water, condenser water, hydronic piping, plumbing, process piping, and related mechanical systems
• Experience estimating hyperscale, colocation, mission-critical, or similarly complex facilities
• Strong experience with conceptual estimating, design-build/design-assist projects, and GMP development
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documentation
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, and mechanical construction cost drivers
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple complex estimates and deadlines
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience working for a commercial mechanical contractor
• Experience estimating hyperscale or colocation data centers
• Knowledge of BIM/VDC workflows and constructability review processes
• Experience working with complex mechanical equipment packages and mission-critical infrastructure
• Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, Trimble, QuoteSoft, FastPIPE, or similar estimating and construction platforms
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other Estimators
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Flexible work schedule
• Hybrid work environment
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities
• The opportunity to work on complex, high-profile mission-critical projects
• A collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise makes an impact

Why VMG?

The data center and mission-critical market is an important part of VMG's continued growth. We're investing in experienced professionals who understand the technical complexity, speed, scale, and precision required to successfully pursue and deliver these projects.

As a Senior Data Center Estimator, you'll have the opportunity to influence major project pursuits, strengthen our mission-critical estimating capabilities, and help shape the continued growth of VMG's data center business.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment visa sponsorship.

VMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.