Senior Mechanical Estimator/Preconstruction Manager

Bay Mechanical, Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Mechanical, LLC is seeking a Senior Mechanical Estimator to lead the estimating process for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheetmetal on complex commercial and industrial projects. You will guide cost proposals from schematic design through bid pricing and coordinate with preconstruction leadership.

The role requires 7+ years in industrial/commercial mechanical settings with at least 5 years in estimating, and proficiency in estimating software such as Fast Pipe and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial and commercial mechanical settings.
• 5+ years in estimating roles.
• Prior field operations or mechanical construction experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and bid reviews as directed by leadership.
• Review plans, drawings, and specifications to understand mechanical scope; request clarifications as needed.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs and input them into estimating formats (spreadsheet or Fast Pipe).
• Gather and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing; integrate into the estimate.
• Estimate labor units tied to material takeoffs; add labor task items as needed.
• Create and issue subcontractor scope packages; review and validate scopes submitted.

Skills

Estimating software

Mechanical systems knowledge

Reading drawings

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

Fast Pipe

Job description

Position Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Estimator at Bay Mechanical, LLC you’ll be a key member of our Preconstruction team. You will lead the estimating process for mechanical systems—HVAC, plumbing, piping, Sheetmetal on complex commercial and industrial projects. Your analyses, strategies, and cost proposals will help Bay remain competitive, accurate, and innovative in the marketplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and bid reviews as directed by leadership
• Thoroughly review plans, drawings, and specifications to fully understand the mechanical scope of work; request clarifications when needed
• Perform detailed material takeoffs and input them into the company’s estimating format (spreadsheet or Fast Pipe)
• Gather and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing; integrate into the estimate
• Estimate labor units tied to material takeoffs; add labor task items as needed
• Create and issue subcontractor scope packages; review and validate scopes submitted
• Submit completed estimates for management review; adjust per feedback and issue final bid pricing
• Communicate any clarifications, assumptions, or exceptions to the Business Development team for inclusion in bidding documents
• Support early-stage conceptual budgeting and design-phase cost modeling
• Identify value engineering opportunities to improve project efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Maintain accurate estimating records, historical costing databases, and job files
• Management assistance on other mechanical estimators
• Demonstrated experience in estimating for both, hard-bid and negotiated projects
• Demonstrated experience developing accurate estimates from schematic design documents
• Experience in leading a team, providing direction, and determining priorities to achieve a complete and final estimate
• Experience in writing subcontractor scopes, negotiating pricing and issuing subcontracts

Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred)

Experience:

• 7+ years working in industrial and commercial mechanical settings
• At least 5 years in estimating roles
• Prior field operations or mechanical construction experience is a plus

Skills & Knowledge:

• Proficient in mechanical estimating software (e.g. Fast pipe) and Microsoft Office
• Solid understanding of mechanical construction methods, HVAC systems, plumbing, and piping
• Ability to read and comprehend mechanical drawings, schematics, and specifications

Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical ability
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Disciplined, methodical, and committed to maintaining accurate records

Day-to-Day at Bay Mechanical

• Dive into bid documents, scope notes, and mechanical design details to extract cost drivers
• Build estimates and budgets for HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems
• Coordinate closely with designers, project managers, and field leadership to ensure alignment
• Solicit bids from suppliers and subcontractors, evaluate scope and pricing
• Prepare and revise estimates in response to feedback and new information
• Contribute to proposals, client presentations, and value-engineering discussions
• Continuously enhance Bay’s estimating methodologies and historical databases