Senior Mechanical Estimator

Rudolph and Sletten; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rudolph and Sletten in Menlo Park, CA seeks a Senior Mechanical Estimator to lead cost estimation for HVAC, piping, and fire protection on complex commercial projects. The role involves coordinating with senior leadership, reviewing design documents, and producing detailed, bid-ready estimates.

The ideal candidate has 12–15 years of mechanical estimating experience, strong communication, and proficiency with QuoteSoft and MS Office. A BS in engineering or construction management is required.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of mechanical estimating experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual cost models for Mechanical Trades (HVAC/Plumbing/Piping/Fire Protection).
• Prepare detailed estimates as designs progress.
• Solicit and analyze subcontractor bids and recommend awards.
• Prepare subcontracts and ensure bid documents are clear and complete.
• Coordinate with estimating team and project leadership throughout the buyout process.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Written communication

Oral communication

Independent work

Cost analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

QuoteSoft

Microsoft Office

Job description

Expected annual salary range for this job is $160,000 - $180,000 depending on experience and region.***Applicants must be eligible to work to the U.S. without visa sponsorship or transfers now or in the future***Rudolph & Sletten, a Tutor Perini Company, is seeking to hire a Senior Mechanical Estimator to join our office in Menlo Park, CA.About Rudolph & SlettenIn the last six decades, Rudolph and Sletten has built thousands of projects across our five California offices, from research centers designed to cure diseases, to institutions that educate future generations, to civic facilities and high-tech campuses that move our state forward.Just like the buildings we construct, our reputation is built to stand the test of time. Our success is owed to our diverse, talented personnel combined with our technological expertise, honest estimates, innovative schedules, and ethical business practices.We're excited to see where the future takes us. Between new building and construction technology, better earth-friendly materials and techniques, all our phenomenal employees and the amazing people we get to work with, we’re looking forward to building more award-winning projects for decades to come.Across California, our recent projects include the Birch Aquarium, City of Hope Central Utility Plant, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Modernization New Hospital Building, UC Davis Health Medical Office Building (MOB) at the Folsom Health Facility, SFCCD City College Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Building and the UCSD Viterbi Family Vision Research Center. At Rudolph & Sletten, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of large, high-profile projects that make a meaningful impact in your community.Extraordinary Projects need Exceptional Talent… Let’s BuildDESCRIPTION:Rudolph and Sletten is looking for a Senior Mechanical Estimator who coordinates with the Vice President of Estimating, Preconstruction Executives, and Senior Estimators in the performance of all Mechanical Trade Preconstruction responsibilities (HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Fire Protection). Plans and communicates with the project estimating team the vital goals of assigned projects. Reviews, interprets, quantifies, accurately estimates cost, and critically analyzes the work described in the project documents. Solicits, receives, and reviews mechanical trade subcontractor proposals, and makes recommendation for subcontractor award.RESPONSIBILITIES:Prepare conceptual cost models/budgets for the Mechanical Trades (HVAC/Plumbing/Piping/Fire Protection) from minimal design information.Prepare detailed estimates as the documents progress in design.Prepare detailed instructions to bidders as part of the procurement process.Solicit, receive, analyze proposals/bids from HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection subcontractors.Recommend award and prepare subcontracts.Reviews basis of design, plans and specifications.Assists design team in ensuring documents are biddable, constructible and cost effective.Writes instructions to bidders to cleanly document the scope of work we want included and excluded with the goal of avoiding change orders.Evaluates bids and conducts post bid interviews.Evaluates change orders as requested.Coordinates with the Vice President of Estimating, Preconstruction Executive, or Senior Estimator in the assignment of project related responsibilities to Estimating/Preconstruction Staff.Plans and communicates to project estimating team, in cooperation with project Estimating team, the vital goals of assigned projects in a project kick-off meeting using a prepared agenda based on the Project Kick-off Meeting Checklist.Works with the Document Control staff on the distribution of project documents and vital project information to appropriate members of the project team and outside resources.Reviews, interprets, quantifies, accurately estimates cost, and critically analyzes the work described in the project documents.Identifies and mitigates project related risk.Uses a checklist to ensure that all required tasks associated with assigned project are attended to in a timely manner.Coordinates, directs, and follows-up with project estimating team to ensure timely completion of tasks associated with assigned projects.Coordinates with Logistics and MEP Managers to accomplish vital project goals.Solicits, collects and critically analyzes Subcontractor/Vendor budgets, bids or quotations associated with assigned projects or packages.Reviews and verifies Scope of Work and pricing (Subcontractor Analysis Sheets) of other project team members when acting as project mechanical lead estimator.Uses accepted templates for the preparation of estimates and clarifications, analysis of bids, calculation of alternates, and other tasks.Presents the project scope of work, estimated costs, risks and opportunities to management during the final review of assigned estimates.Participates in the presentation of proposals, budgets, etc. to clients and prospective clients.Participates in the delivery of appropriate project files for assigned projects to Operations Staff during a project turnover meeting using the Turnover Meeting Agenda and Checklist.Participates and coordinates participation of project estimating team in the buyout process with operations.Creates professional, accurate reports and correspondence related to this position including project clarifications, cover letters, transmittals, client and subcontractor correspondence, inter-office correspondence, e-mail, etc.Participates in the completion of all required paperwork for bids or proposals (such as bid forms, bonding requirements, etc.).Required Job Skills:Demonstrates a level of competency of at least “well experienced” on all core competency categories associated with Mechanical Estimator and Senior Mechanical Estimator positions.Demonstrates excellent written and oral communications and team skills.Works independently, with little or no direct supervision, with an interest in quickly learning and applying new skills and abilities.Must be dependable, consistent, diligent, and thorough.Creative and resourceful in completing tasks accurately in a compressed timeframe.Applies knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in construction field.Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.Demonstrates professionalism and pride of ownership in assigned responsibilities.Demonstrates flexibility through changing conditions.REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, (Construction Management, Mechanical) or technical training is required. A combination of education and work experience will also be considered in lieu of degree.Minimum twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years of experience in Mechanical Trades estimating with major mechanical contractors (commercial or institutional, i.e. not residential).Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as collaboration skills.Intermediate to advanced knowledge of QuoteSoft (or similar) and Microsoft Office.Passion to continuously learn about new technologies impacting the mechanical industry and associated cost is required.Ideal candidate will have OSHPD/HCAI experience.Ideal candidate will have Design/Build experience.Ideal candidate will have DBIA Associate or Professional certification.LEED certification a plus.Ideal candidate will have experience in BMS Controls systems.Experience as an HVAC/Plumbing designer a plus.Working knowledge of mechanical trades installation, estimating and cost control techniques.Capable of reading schematics and blueprintsCorporate Philosophy:Rudolph and Sletten is focused on exceeding our client’s expectations. We provide our clients with exceptional service resulting in quality projects through transparent, consistent and predictable management processes and procedures. Essential to our achievement is our team of highly competent employees who maintain integrity, strive for excellence, engage in personal and professional growth and training, and utilize the most current advancements in technology.Extraordinary projects begin with exceptional people. At Rudolph and Sletten, we turn vision into reality, transforming concepts into tangible places that strengthen communities and move industries forward.Equal Opportunity Employer