Senior Plant Mechanical Estimator

Engtal; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) company match

PTO (paid time off)

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Engtal is seeking a Senior Plant Mechanical Estimator to join its preconstruction team in New England. The role focuses on central utility plants, process piping, and MEP-heavy environments, guiding estimates from concept through GMP and construction documents.

You will lead detailed takeoffs, develop budgets and cost plans, collaborate with engineers and owners, and mentor junior staff while driving value-engineering and risk management across high-profile projects.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of estimating experience in complex mechanical, process piping, or MEP-intensive construction.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.
• Proficiency with Excel and takeoff/estimation software.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed mechanical and plumbing estimates for central utility plants and plant equipment.
• Develop conceptual budgets, GMPs, escalation assumptions, contingencies, and risk allowances.
• Perform takeoffs from narratives, drawings, P&IDs, specs, and equipment schedules.
• Build system-level pricing and cost models for plant equipment and piping systems.
• Negotiate bids with vendors and coordinate with engineers and owners during design reviews.

Skills

Estimating leadership

MEP knowledge

Read P&IDs

Cost modeling

Project coordination

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

OST

Sage

Job description

A leading New England construction firm is seeking a Senior Plant Mechanical Estimator to join its growing preconstruction team.

This is a unique opportunity for a senior-level mechanical estimator with deep experience in central utility plants, process piping, life sciences, district energy, industrial infrastructure, healthcare, higher education, or other MEP-intensive environments.

The successful candidate will lead complex mechanical and process utility estimates from early concept through GMP and final construction documents, helping shape major projects before they reach the field.

What You’ll Do

• Lead detailed mechanical and plumbing estimates for central utility plants, including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, hydronic systems, and related equipment.
• Estimate process utility systems such as clean steam, WFI, reverse osmosis, compressed air, specialty gases, vacuum, and waste-neutralization systems.
• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed cost plans, GMPs, escalation assumptions, contingencies, and risk allowances.
• Perform takeoffs from narratives, drawings, P&IDs, specifications, one-lines, and equipment schedules.
• Build system-level pricing and cost models for plant equipment, piping systems, controls, and supporting infrastructure.
• Solicit, analyze, level, and negotiate bids from mechanical, plumbing, controls, process-piping, and equipment vendors.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, constructability concerns, cost risks, and schedule impacts.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers, along with owners and facility teams, during design reviews and preconstruction planning.
• Lead value-engineering and cost-reduction efforts while maintaining project quality, scope, and schedule requirements.
• Support buyout, subcontractor selection, executive presentations, owner reviews, estimate narratives, and cost reporting.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the continued development of estimating tools, databases, and best practices.

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of technical training and construction experience, ideally supported by a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong estimating experience involving complex mechanical, process-piping, utility, industrial, or MEP-intensive construction.
• Deep knowledge of HVAC, hydronic systems, steam, chilled water, condenser water, process piping, and plant equipment.
• Experience with central utility plants, district energy, life sciences, pharma, healthcare, industrial, higher education, or advanced manufacturing projects.
• Demonstrated experience estimating design-build and GMP projects from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical and electrical drawings, one-lines, specifications, and equipment schedules.
• Familiarity with commissioning and startup requirements for mechanical and utility systems.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, subcontractor scope analysis, procurement, and risk management.
• Proficiency with Excel and estimating/takeoff platforms such as Bluebeam, OST, Sage, or similar software.
• Strong organization, ownership, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Why Consider This Opportunity

• Join a respected, long-established construction organization with a strong pipeline of complex work across New England.
• Lead high-profile mechanical and utility infrastructure estimates rather than traditional commercial HVAC-only scopes.
• Work closely with senior leadership, engineers, owners, and specialized trade partners.
• Play a visible role in the growth of a preconstruction team supporting life sciences, institutional, public, infrastructure, and mission-critical projects.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) company contribution, PTO, paid holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, and additional voluntary benefits.

Compensation: $160,000–$245,000 base salary, depending on experience, plus bonus and full benefits.