Senior Estimator

SVM; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Well-being benefits

Financial wellness

Community investment

Job summary

SVM, a leading mechanical contractor in the Bay Area, is seeking a Senior Estimator to develop detailed mechanical estimates for commercial HVAC, piping, and plumbing projects. You will review drawings, perform takeoffs, and build labor and material costs while supporting project teams from design through award.

The role is primarily onsite with potential limited hybrid flexibility after onboarding. A minimum of 5–7 years of estimating experience and proficiency with FastEST and MS Office are

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of commercial mechanical construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating HVAC and piping systems; plumbing a plus.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications to develop accurate estimates.
• Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage multiple estimates.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed labor, material, equipment, and cost estimates for commercial HVAC, piping, and applicable plumbing projects of varying size and complexity.
• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents; perform detailed takeoffs and identify scope requirements, gaps, clarifications, and other considerations necessary to develop complete and accurate estimates.
• Utilize estimating software to develop project estimates and maintain accurate labor, material, commodity, and other applicable cost information within the estimating database.
• Maintain, review, and update specification content within FastEST, including editing and adding specification sections to SVM standard templates and project-specific specifications as needed.
• Develop estimates for plan/spec projects and collaborate with the Project Management team to support estimating efforts for design-build opportunities, including confirming scope, assumptions, pricing, and project requirements.
• Review and audit estimates for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project scope; participate in estimate reviews, job walks, project handoffs, and other estimating or project meetings as needed.
• Support estimating best practices and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, tools, and processes and providing FastEST guidance or technical estimating support to team members as needed.
• Support the Project Management department with other tasks and projects as business requires.

Skills

HVAC estimation

Piping estimation

Takeoffs

Estimating software

FastEST

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

Tools

FastEST

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you an experienced mechanical estimator who can turn complex drawings and specifications into accurate, comprehensive project estimates? Do you enjoy digging into the details of HVAC and piping systems while collaborating with project teams to build the right scope from the start?

As a Senior Estimator, you will have the opportunity to develop detailed mechanical estimates for commercial construction projects ranging from smaller scopes to large-scale, complex projects. The Senior Estimator will play a crucial role in supporting our Project Management team by reviewing project documents, performing detailed takeoffs, developing accurate labor and material estimates, and maintaining the estimating tools and specifications used to support successful project planning.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Prepare detailed labor, material, equipment, and cost estimates for commercial HVAC, piping, and applicable plumbing projects of varying size and complexity.
• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents; perform detailed takeoffs and identify scope requirements, gaps, clarifications, and other considerations necessary to develop complete and accurate estimates.
• Utilize estimating software to develop project estimates and maintain accurate labor, material, commodity, and other applicable cost information within the estimating database.
• Maintain, review, and update specification content within FastEST, including editing and adding specification sections to SVM standard templates and project-specific specifications as needed.
• Develop estimates for plan/spec projects and collaborate with the Project Management team to support estimating efforts for design-build opportunities, including confirming scope, assumptions, pricing, and project requirements.
• Review and audit estimates for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project scope; participate in estimate reviews, job walks, project handoffs, and other estimating or project meetings as needed.
• Support estimating best practices and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, tools, and processes and providing FastEST guidance or technical estimating support to team members as needed.
• Support the Project Management department with other tasks and projects as business requires.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5-7 years of commercial mechanical construction estimating experience preparing estimates for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Experience estimating commercial HVAC and piping systems required; plumbing estimating experience a plus.
• Strong knowledge of commercial mechanical systems and estimating principles, including materials, equipment, installation methods, construction practices, quantity takeoffs, labor calculations, pricing, scope evaluation, and estimate review.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, addenda, and other construction documents; identify scope gaps, inconsistencies, and potential risks; and translate project requirements into accurate estimates.
• Ability to independently manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant estimating and construction technology.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with Project Management, vendors, subcontractors, and other internal and external partners.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background check in accordance with applicable law required.

COMPENSATION & COMPANY BENEFITS INCLUDE

This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary range of $100,000–$150,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This position is primarily onsite. Following successful completion of the initial 90-day onboarding and training period, limited hybrid flexibility may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to individual performance and business and operational needs.

Health: Medical / Dental / Vision / Life & Disability Insurance / FSA

Well-Being: Robust Maternity & Paternity Leave / EAP / Paid Holidays / PTO / Sick Leave / Interactive Breakroom

Financial Wellness: 401k w/ Employer Contribution / Employee Referral Bonus / “Positive Pulse”

Community Investment: Volunteer Opportunities / Team Building Activities / Employee Activities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This role may involve working at a desk, computer, or standing for prolonged periods of time.
• This role may be required to handle physical paperwork, files, office supplies, and using office equipment like a computer, mouse, keyboard, and calculators.
• While the role is predominantly desk-based, there might be instances where standing or moving around the office is required.
• This role does not typically involve heavy lifting, however lighting lightweight items such as files or other office supplies up to 50lbs might be required.

WHO WE ARE:

At SVM, we are more than just a leading mechanical contractor specializing in design-build commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, service/maintenance, and 24-hour emergency services. We’re a team dedicated to supporting the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Nevada regions with trusted expertise and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences at every level.

Our success is built on a collaborative culture that values teamwork, innovation, and doing the right thing. We take pride in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every team member feels supported, valued, and empowered to grow. At SVM, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we prioritize their development, well-being, and success.

Our state-of-the-art fabrication facility reflects our dedication to quality and efficiency. By leveraging cutting‑edge 3D design and manufacturing technology, we detail and fabricate ductwork, piping, and pre-skidded equipment to execute projects with precision and excellence.

At SVM, we don’t just focus on work—we focus on balance. We encourage a life-work approach that allows our team to thrive both personally and professionally. We are committed to helping our team members grow, stay curious, and work collaboratively to tackle any challenge. With the support of peers, managers, and executive leadership, our team is equipped to succeed and build meaningful careers.

The statements above reflect the general nature and level of work expected for this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove responsibilities as needed to meet business and organizational needs.

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