Senior Estimator - Mechanical (HVAC, Plumbing & Process)

X4 Engineering; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

X4 Engineering in Dallas, Texas seeks a Senior Estimator to join its Preconstruction team. You will develop detailed mechanical estimates for HVAC, plumbing, and process work, mentor junior staff, and support proposals and client reviews.

You will evaluate drawings, manage take-offs, and lead bid packages with a focus on accuracy, risk awareness, and competitive pricing. This on-site role demands strong collaboration with design and operations teams.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of mechanical estimating experience across multiple market sectors.
• Advanced technical understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and process work.
• Ability to interpret detailed designs, specs and addenda for cost and scope impacts.
• Proficiency in conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates with minimal supervision.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor and vendor markets and bid analysis.
• Ability to lead portions of the bid process and deliverables on schedule.
• Mentor preconstruction team members and support QA/QC.
• Effective written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluate drawings and specs for scope, completeness, and risks.
• Lead development of detailed estimates, take-offs, and subcontractor comparisons.
• Prepare pricing breakdowns and value engineering options for major bids.
• Lead estimate review meetings and scope alignment with teams and clients.
• Develop cost strategies and supporting proposal content.
• Participate in design reviews and VE sessions with design teams.
• Present scopes and clarifications during customer-facing reviews.
• Maintain market knowledge on labor, material, and equipment trends.
• Mentor estimators and support transitions of awarded projects.

Skills

Estimating

MEP systems

Bid leadership

Excel

Bluebeam

Vendor analysis

Preconstruction

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management

Tools

Bluebeam

Excel

Estimating software

PlanSwift

Job description

Industry: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Construction

An established, employee-owned MEP company delivering full-lifecycle building solutions — from design and construction through service and facilities maintenance — is looking for an experienced Senior Estimator to join its Preconstruction team. This company has been powering critical environments like hospitals, schools, data centers, stadiums, and commercial buildings across Texas and the Southwest for nearly 80 years.

About the Role

The Senior Estimator plays a key role in preparing project cost estimates and proposals, applying deep technical knowledge and cost analysis skills to ensure pricing accuracy and risk awareness. This role prepares both direct cost and conceptual mechanical estimates, may act in a customer-facing capacity on select project pursuits, and may mentor junior estimators.

What You'll Do

• Independently evaluate drawings and specs for scope, completeness, constructability issues, and estimating risks
• Lead development of detailed estimates, including take-offs, subcontractor comparisons, and internal productivity assumptions
• Prepare spec summaries, pricing breakdowns, and value engineering (VE) options for major bid packages
• Lead estimate review and scope alignment meetings, identifying gaps, overlaps, and risk items
• Develop cost strategies, pricing narratives, and supporting proposal content
• Participate in design-review and value-engineering sessions with design teams and clients
• Present scopes and clarifications during customer-facing reviews
• Maintain up-to-date market knowledge on labor, material, and equipment trends
• Mentor Estimators, provide QA/QC on their work, and support their technical development
• Support the transition of awarded projects to operations teams

What You'll Bring

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent experience in mechanical estimating or construction management accepted
• 5–10+ years of mechanical estimating experience, ideally across multiple market sectors
• Advanced technical understanding of mechanical systems and construction methods for HVAC, plumbing, and process work
• Ability to interpret and analyze detailed design documents, specifications, and addenda for cost and scope impacts
• Proficiency preparing accurate conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates with minimal supervision
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor and vendor markets, with the ability to solicit and analyze bids effectively
• Ability to lead portions of the bid process and ensure timely, accurate deliverables
• Sound judgment evaluating project risks, contract terms, and VE opportunities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, balancing accuracy, competitiveness, and strategic pricing
• Effective written and verbal communication, including explaining cost assumptions to internal and external stakeholders
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to mentor preconstruction team members
• High proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and Bluebeam