Senior Estimator

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Lyndhurst (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical and dental insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Disability and life insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead complex estimates for industrial refrigeration construction and aftermarket projects.

You will work with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Construction, and Aftermarket teams to ensure accurate, competitive pricing and robust proposals. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in industrial estimating, strong Excel skills, and the ability to mentor junior estimators while advancing company estimating standards and

Qualifications

• 5+ years estimating in industrial construction, mechanical contracting, or refrigeration projects.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, P&IDs, specs, and other project docs.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software; strong cost drivers understanding.
• Ability to mentor junior estimators and improve estimating processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of accurate, competitive estimates for industrial refrigeration construction and aftermarket projects.
• Review drawings, specs, P&IDs, and bid documents to understand requirements and costs.
• Prepare detailed labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and manufacturing estimates.
• Develop estimates for new construction, retrofits, upgrades, and aftermarket work.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Construction, and Aftermarket teams to ensure accuracy and practicality.
• Identify risks, exclusions, scope gaps, and opportunities to improve value.
• Review vendor and subcontractor pricing for competitiveness and completeness.
• Support Business Development during proposals, bid reviews, and client discussions.

Skills

Estimating

Industrial refrigeration knowledge

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Navisworks

Estimating software

ERP systems

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role: The Senior Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive estimates for industrial refrigeration construction and aftermarket projects. This position works closely with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Construction, and Aftermarket teams to evaluate project requirements, develop project costs, identify risks and assumptions, and support the development of competitive proposals.

This is a senior-level role intended for an experienced estimator who can independently lead complex estimating efforts while helping strengthen and develop Innovative’s overall estimating function. The Senior Estimator will drive process improvement within the organization, helping establish standards, improve estimating processes, develop historical cost information, and mentor additional estimators as the team grows.

Key Duties

• Lead the preparation of accurate, competitive estimates for industrial refrigeration construction and aftermarket projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, P&IDs, bid documents, scopes of work, and other technical information to understand project requirements and develop complete project costs.
• Prepare detailed labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, manufacturing, and installation estimates.
• Develop estimates across a range of project types, including new construction, system expansions, retrofits, replacements, upgrades, and other aftermarket projects.
• Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Construction, and Aftermarket teams to ensure estimates are accurate, practical, and aligned with how projects will be executed.
• Identify project risks, assumptions, exclusions, scope gaps, and opportunities to improve value for customers.
• Review vendor and subcontractor pricing to ensure proposals are competitive and complete.
• Support Business Development teams during proposal preparation, bid reviews, and customer discussions as needed.
• Ensure estimates align with company pricing strategies, execution capabilities, and profitability goals.
• Maintain organized estimating files, supporting documentation, and historical project information for future reference.
• Develop and improve estimating standards, templates, tools, and best practices.
• Build and maintain historical cost information to improve estimating accuracy and consistency over time.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, efficiency, and collaboration across departments.
• Help establish consistent estimating practices across both construction and aftermarket opportunities.
• Mentor and support future estimators as the estimating function grows.
• Assist with interviewing, onboarding, and developing future estimating team members.
• Partner with leadership to help shape the continued development and scalability of the estimating function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, OR equivalent relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years of estimating experience in industrial construction, mechanical contracting, industrial refrigeration, piping, HVAC, aftermarket mechanical services, or a similar technical industry.
• Demonstrated experience preparing accurate estimates for commercial or industrial construction, retrofit, upgrade, or aftermarket projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, project execution, manufacturing processes, and project cost drivers.
• Ability to independently develop estimates for complex technical projects involving multiple scopes, disciplines, and stakeholders.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, P&IDs, technical drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with estimating software or related tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Construction, Aftermarket, Business Development, and other internal teams.
• Ability to identify scope gaps, project risks, assumptions, and cost drivers that could impact project pricing or execution.
• Ability and desire to mentor others and contribute to the continued development of the estimating function.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, seated or standing, for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds

Preferences

• Experience estimating industrial ammonia and/or CO₂ refrigeration systems.
• Experience estimating both large design-build construction projects and smaller retrofit, upgrade, or aftermarket projects.
• Experience with design-build or Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) industrial construction projects.
• Previous experience mentoring or providing technical leadership to other estimators.
• Experience creating estimating standards, templates, tools, or historical cost databases.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Navisworks, or similar software.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), PMP, or other related professional certification.

Benefits

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services

If you are driven to succeed and want to be part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of the industry,