Senior Estimator

First Search Inc.; Houston (TX); Vor Ort; USD 120.000 - 180.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

First Search Inc. is seeking two Senior Estimators with strong mechanical, civil, and structural backgrounds for data center EPC projects in the Houston area. The role emphasizes hands-on estimating from takeoffs to bids, across chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, and heavy industrial sectors.

Projects range from $150 million to $1 billion, with onsite work in Channelview, TX. Prior data center experience is preferred but not required; candidates should be adept at labor, material, and

Qualifikationen

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably industrial/EPC.
• Hands-on ability to develop estimates from takeoffs to bid packages.
• Strong understanding of piping, mechanical equipment, civil and structural scopes.

Aufgaben

• Independently develop detailed mechanical, civil, and structural estimates for large-scale projects.
• Review drawings, P&IDs, pipe isometrics, and bid documents to determine scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Prepare lump-sum, unit-rate, and time-and-material bid packages.

Kenntnisse

Estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Bid preparation

Piping systems

Industrial construction

Excel proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Jobbeschreibung

Location: Channelview, TX (Houston Area)

Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Relocation Assistance: Available

Travel: Minimal, No More Than 10%

Position Overview

We are seeking two experienced Senior Estimators with strong mechanical, civil, and structural construction backgrounds to support a growing portfolio of large-scale projects, primarily focused on data center construction, with additional projects across the chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, and heavy industrial sectors.

Projects range from approximately $150 million to $1 billion, offering the opportunity to contribute to complex Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and design-build projects.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands‑on estimating experience, particularly in industrial piping, mechanical equipment installation, and associated civil and structural construction scopes. This position requires someone who can independently develop detailed estimates, perform quantity takeoffs, calculate labor and material costs, and prepare competitive bids.

We're looking for an estimator who is actively involved in developing estimates, rather than someone whose experience is primarily managing estimating teams or reviewing estimates prepared by others.

Prior data center experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with strong estimating backgrounds in industrial construction, commercial contracting, and EPC environments are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed mechanical, civil, and structural construction estimates for large-scale industrial and data center projects, with a primary emphasis on mechanical and piping systems.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, P&IDs, piping isometrics, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and calculate material quantities, labor hours, equipment costs, fabrication expenses, and subcontractor pricing.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates for construction scopes including:
• Process piping, steam lines, water lines, and gas piping.
• Valves, fittings, pipe supports, and associated components.
• Pipe fabrication, shop welding, field installation, and system testing.

Mechanical Equipment Installation

• Pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, tanks, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Equipment installation, connections, and related construction activities.

Data Center Cooling Infrastructure

• Chillers, cooling towers, pumps, chilled‑water piping, and related cooling systems.

HVAC and Industrial Ventilation

• Industrial ventilation systems, air‑handling equipment, ductwork, and mechanical cooling systems.

Civil and Structural Construction

• Structural supports for mechanical equipment, including equipment skids, pipe racks, and support systems.
• Associated civil and structural construction materials, labor, and installation requirements.
• Develop accurate labor productivity assumptions, material pricing, equipment costs, and subcontractor estimates.
• Prepare competitive pricing for lump‑sum, unit‑rate, and time‑and‑materials proposals.
• Evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, project management, and construction teams to validate estimating assumptions and project execution strategies.
• Identify potential project risks, scope gaps, exclusions, and value‑engineering opportunities.
• Participate in pre‑bid meetings, estimate reviews, and occasional site visits.
• Develop or support construction schedules using Microsoft Project.
• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns, final bid packages, and supporting proposal documentation.
• Support estimate reconciliations, post‑bid reviews, and project handoffs.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, and labor productivity benchmarks.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably within industrial construction, mechanical contracting, or EPC environments.
• Significant hands‑on experience developing mechanical, piping, civil, and/or structural construction estimates, with strong expertise in mechanical and piping scopes.
• Experience estimating large‑scale, complex construction projects, ideally ranging from $150 million to $1 billion in total project value.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop estimates from initial quantity takeoffs through final bid preparation.
• Strong understanding of industrial piping systems, mechanical equipment installation, fabrication, welding, and field construction methods.
• Working knowledge of civil and structural construction methods, materials, and cost drivers.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, P&IDs, piping isometrics, civil drawings, and structural plans.
• Experience calculating material quantities, labor hours, equipment costs, subcontractor pricing, and labor productivity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimating priorities and meet bid deadlines.
• Ability to work onsite in Channelview, TX, five days per week.