Senior Mechanical Estimator

Walbridge; Arizona; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Walbridge in the United States is seeking a Senior Mechanical Estimator to lead mechanical estimating on large, complex projects. You will shape preconstruction strategy, drive cost leadership, and engage clients to win competitive bids.

You will mentor the estimating team, review drawings and specs, and coordinate with project management, engineering, VDC, and field teams to align estimates with execution.

Qualifications

• Licensed Journeyperson or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (or equivalent).
• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or experience.
• 5+ years of estimating and/or engineering experience.
• Mechanical design-build experience preferred.
• Significant experience in mechanical estimating within commercial, industrial, or mission-critical construction environments.
• Advanced knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, heavy process piping, estimating techniques, and cost control, plus the ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems.
• Ability to read specifications and drawings.
• Process piping experience, including high‑pressure heavy‑wall piping systems, code piping, and refinery piping.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex estimates and coordinate multi-discipline efforts.
• Communication, presentation, and teaching skills, both written and oral.
• Knowledge of CSI divisions and health and safety regulations and their cost impact.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software/tools.
• Effective communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical estimating strategy for complex projects.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop bid, pursuit, and design-build/CM strategies.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and support estimating best practices.
• Evaluate design options and apply lean construction to improve outcomes.
• Prepare shadow estimates and oversee subcontractor estimates from concept through GMP.
• Review drawings, specs, and bid documents to define scope, takeoffs, and pricing.
• Develop general conditions estimates, budgets, bulletins, RFIs, and schedules.
• Maintain estimate backup documentation and identify value engineering opportunities.
• Lead subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope validation.
• Build relationships with subcontractors and vendors and develop procurement strategies.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, job walks, and client presentations.
• Evaluate project risks, market conditions, and cost trends to inform estimates.
• Prepare estimate reviews including overhead, profit, and key commercial assumptions.
• Assess design-build, insurance, bonding, and contract-related risks.
• Support contingency planning, change pricing, and extra work negotiations.
• Partner with project management, engineering, VDC, and field teams to align estimate and execution.
• Develop project schedules from bid documents and manage design to budget.
• Support project handoff and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Mentoring

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).

Tools

Microsoft Excel

estimating software/tools

BIM/VDC tools

Job description

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Estimator to join the Walbridge team. In this role, you will lead mechanical estimating efforts on large, complex projects and play a key role in preconstruction strategy, cost leadership, and client engagement. You will provide technical direction, mentor team members, and ensure the accuracy and competitiveness of estimates that drive successful project outcomes.

Location

You will work from our enterprise headquarters in Detroit, MI, or at one of our regional offices in Kalamazoo, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, Atlanta, GA or Charlotte, NC. Travel may be required based on project pursuits, client meetings, and team collaboration.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead mechanical subcontractor and mechanical estimating strategy for complex projects.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop bid, pursuit, and design-build/CM proposal strategies.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and support estimating best practices.
• Evaluate design options and apply lean construction principles to improve project outcomes.

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare shadow estimates and oversee mechanical subcontractor estimates from concept through GMP and final bid.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define scope, takeoffs, and pricing.
• Develop general conditions estimates, budgets, bulletins, RFIs, and preliminary schedules.
• Maintain estimate backup documentation and identify value engineering opportunities.

Subcontractor & Market Engagement

• Lead subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope validation.
• Build strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors and develop procurement strategies.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, job walks, and client presentations.

Cost Analysis & Risk Management

• Evaluate project risks, market conditions, and cost trends to inform estimates.
• Prepare estimate reviews including overhead, profit, and key commercial assumptions.
• Assess design-build, insurance, bonding, and contract-related risks.
• Support contingency planning, change pricing, and extra work negotiations.

Collaboration & Execution Alignment

• Partner with project management, engineering, VDC, and field teams to align estimate and execution.
• Develop project schedules from bid documents and manage design to budget.
• Support project handoff and client presentations.

Qualifications

To Qualify for the Role, You Must Have

• Licensed Journeyperson, or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or experience.
• 5+ years of estimating and/or engineering experience.
• Mechanical design-build experience preferred.
• Significant experience in mechanical estimating within commercial, industrial, or mission-critical construction environments.
• Advanced knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, heavy process piping, estimating techniques, and cost control, plus the ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems.
• Ability to read specifications and drawings.
• Process piping experience, including high‑pressure heavy‑wall piping systems, code piping, and refinery piping.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex estimates and coordinate multi-discipline efforts.
• Communication, presentation, and teaching skills, both written and oral.
• Knowledge of the Construction Specifications Institute’s (CSI) divisions and Federal, State, and Local health and safety regulations, and how they affect the cost of a project.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software/tools.
• Effective communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading estimates for large-scale or complex projects (e.g., data centers, manufacturing, automotive).
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships with the local and regional mechanical subcontractor market.
• Experience mentoring or managing estimating team members.
• Familiarity with BIM/VDC tools and digital estimating platforms.

EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V

Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, status as an individual with a disability, military, or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment.