Senior Mechanical Estimator & Preconstruction Leader

M.C. Dean

Tysons (VA)

On-site

USD 125,120 - 156,400

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision, life, and/dis

Paid time off

401(k) Retirement Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Military Reserve pay offset

Paid maternity leave

Job summary

M.C. Dean in Tysons, VA is seeking a Lead Mechanical Estimator to guide major mechanical estimates and design‑build proposals. You will lead cross‑disciplinary teams, set strategies, and ensure accuracy and competitiveness across complex projects.

The role emphasizes preconstruction leadership, risk assessment, and value engineering in a fast‑paced environment. The position requires deep experience in HVAC, plumbing, piping, and central utility systems, with a strong track record in large‑scale

Qualifications

5+ years of experience with a Master’s degree.
7+ years with a B.S. in Electrical, Civil, Architectural Engineering, or Construction Management.
10+ years with a related associate’s degree.
12+ years with a High School diploma or GED.
Advanced knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, process systems, hydronic systems, and central utility plant infrastructure.
Expert ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, BIM models, P&IDs, sequence of operations, control diagrams, and contract documents.
Comprehensive understanding of mechanical construction methods, fabrication strategies, commissioning requirements, and project execution planning.
Strong knowledge of conceptual estimating, detailed estimating, cost forecasting, labor modeling, and risk analysis.
Experience leading estimates for large-scale commercial, industrial, data center, federal, healthcare, mission-critical, or infrastructure projects.
In-depth understanding of Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, GMP, and Integrated Project Delivery methods.
Advanced proficiency with estimating software such as DESTINI Estimator, FastPIPE, QuoteSoft, Trimble, Accubid Anywhere, or equivalent.
Strong knowledge of BIM-enabled estimating and digital construction workflows.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, facilitate executive reviews, and manage multiple major pursuits simultaneously.
Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and leadership skills.
Must successfully pass a background check.

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation and review of major mechanical estimates, budgets, GMPs, and design‑build proposals.
Direct estimating teams through all pursuit phases from budgeting to bid submission.
Establish estimating strategies, work plans, schedules, and resource assignments for major pursuits.
Ensure estimating deliverables are accurate, complete, and aligned with company standards.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating and preconstruction organization.
Oversee detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, process systems, hydronics, controls, and other mechanical infrastructure.
Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, labor challenges, logistics requirements, and procurement strategies.
Lead value engineering efforts and identify innovative solutions to improve project cost, schedule, and performance.
Develop labor productivity models, installation strategies, and execution plans to support estimate development.
Analyze historical data, market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy.
Lead multidisciplinary estimating efforts involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, controls, fire protection, and specialty systems.
Coordinate subcontractor and vendor solicitation activities and evaluate pricing for compliance and competitiveness.
Perform bid leveling, scope comparisons, and procurement analysis.
Support proposal development, executive reviews, customer presentations, and interview teams.
Participate in project pursuit strategy meetings and help determine bid/no‑bid recommendations.
Collaborate with Project Managers, Operations Managers, Engineers, Procurement, and Business Development personnel to develop winning project strategies.
Provide executive leadership with detailed cost analyses, risk assessments, and pricing recommendations.
Support project turnover meetings to ensure successful transition from preconstruction to operations.
Assist in developing annual business plans, forecasting workload requirements, and staffing strategies for the estimating department.
Maintain and improve estimating databases, assemblies, labor units, and historical cost information.
Direct and mentor Mechanical Estimators I, II, III, and Senior Estimators.
Conduct estimate reviews and provide technical guidance on projects and pursuits.
Develop departmental training programs, estimating procedures, and career development plans.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Assist leadership in recruiting, onboarding, and developing estimating talent.
Maintain consistency and accuracy across all estimating deliverables.
Lead estimate quality reviews and risk assessments prior to proposal submission.