Senior Plumbing Estimator

Cox Engineering; Randolph (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Engineering is seeking a Senior Plumbing Estimator to develop accurate, competitive cost estimates for complex plumbing, medical gas, and laboratory systems on institutional projects in Massachusetts. You will lead takeoffs, build unit prices, and mentor junior estimators while collaborating with project teams.

This role requires advanced technical knowledge, leadership, and a track record on multi-million dollar projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8–12 years of progressive plumbing estimating experience, with at least 4 years at Senior level on large projects.
• Advanced proficiency in estimation software and MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead full plumbing takeoffs from drawings using estimation software.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for plumbing, medical gas, and lab systems.
• Develop unit pricing, labor productivity factors, and material databases.
• Perform value engineering to optimize cost while ensuring code compliance.
• Mentor and train junior estimators on advanced techniques and tools.
• Lead bid reviews, scope gap analysis, and risk assessments with project teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Negotiation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

PlanSwift

FAB EST

Excel (advanced)

AutoCAD

Revit

On-Screen Takeoff

CostX

Job description

The Senior Plumbing Estimator is a key member of the construction team responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and detailed cost estimates for complex plumbing, Medical gas, process pipe, and mechanical systems on commercial, institutional, healthcare, and research/laboratory building projects. This role requires advanced technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to mentor junior estimators while collaborating closely with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead full plumbing takeoffs from architectural, mechanical, and plumbing drawings using Bluebeam, PlanSwift ,FAB Est or similar software
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for domestic water, sanitary waste, storm drainage, lab waste systems, medical gas, fire protection, and specialty systems (RO/DI, pH neutralization, vacuum)
• Develop unit pricing, labor productivity factors, and material databases specific to research/lab and healthcare projects
• Perform value engineering and alternative system analysis to optimize cost without compromising performance or code compliance
• Mentor and train junior and mid-level estimators on advanced techniques, software, and best practices
• Lead bid reviews, scope gap analysis, and risk assessments with project teams and senior leadership
• Manage multiple concurrent estimates with tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers for current pricing and lead times

Research & Laboratory Specialization (Preferred)

• Expert knowledge of laboratory waste systems, pH neutralization, backflow prevention, and high-purity water systems (RO/DI, USP)
• Familiarity with cGMP, GLP, and biosafety level (BSL) requirements impacting plumbing design and cost
• Experience estimating complex institutional projects (universities, pharma R&D, hospitals, vivarium’s)

Preconstruction & Business Development

• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and proposal development
• Provide conceptual budgeting and feasibility studies during early design phases
• Support post-bid buyout, change order pricing, and claim analysis as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Requirement

Details

Education

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

Experience

Minimum 8–12 years of progressive plumbing estimating experience, with at least 4 years at Senior level on projects $5M–$100M+

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency in Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, FAB EST, Excel (advanced), AutoCAD, Revit (review), and estimation databases

Codes & Standards

Expert knowledge of IPC, UPC, NFPA, ASHRAE, and local plumbing/mechanical codes

Soft Skills

Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and mentoring abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PE license, LEED AP, or ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers) certification
• Experience with healthcare, laboratory, or life sciences projects (cGMP, BSL-2/3, vivarium)
• Proficiency in On-Screen Takeoff, CostX, FAB EST or Timberline/Sage Estimating
• Prior experience with design-build or CMAR delivery methods
• Strong network of reliable plumbing subcontractors and suppliers

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive base salary range: $125,000 – $150,000+ annually (depending on experience and location)

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

We are a growing, family owned mechanical contractor specializing in complex institutional and research facilities. You will work on landmark projects, have direct access to ownership, and play a key role in shaping the future of our estimating department.