Sr Estimator (Mechanical Contractor) | HVAC

Top Echelon LLC; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon LLC in Danbury, CT is seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to lead cost projections for industrial HVAC and piping projects. You will review bids, develop detailed scope narratives, and deliver accurate, timely estimates with minimal information.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in mechanical estimating, strong knowledge of Design-Build and Plan & Spec, and proficiency with estimating software.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience, preferably in industrial, HVAC, and/or plumbing systems.
• Proven experience estimating process piping projects.
• Strong knowledge of Design-Build and Plan & Spec project delivery methods.
• Proficiency with estimating software, on-screen takeoff tools, and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to produce accurate, competitive, and timely estimates with minimal information.
• Strong understanding of cost structures for Design-Build projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, industrial systems, and piping systems.
• Preferred: heavy industrial mechanical estimating environments.
• Preferred: process piping estimation.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-bid meetings and scope reviews to understand project requirements.
• Review and interpret bid documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Identify, solicit, and manage subcontractor and vendor quotations.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs using estimating software.
• Collaborate with estimators, operations teams, and internal departments.
• Compile, analyze, and finalize comprehensive estimates.
• Participate in internal bid-day reviews with leadership to validate pricing, scope, and strategy.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for scope, compliance, and schedule alignment.
• Develop value engineering options aligning with client goals.
• Prepare clear scope narratives to support proposals.
• Provide post-award support to field operations, ensuring smooth transition from estimate to execution.
• Manage multiple bid schedules and meet proposal deadlines.
• Identify project requirements and cost drivers with limited input data.
• Balance high-level understanding with attention to detail for client satisfaction.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Pre-bid analysis

Pricing strategy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

On-screen takeoff

Excel / spreadsheets

Design-Build

Plan & Spec

Vendor management

Tools

Estimating software

On-screen takeoff tools

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-bid meetings and scope reviews to fully understand project requirements, even when initial information is limited
• Review and interpret all project bid documents, drawings, and specifications
• Identify, solicit, and manage subcontractor and vendor quotations for outsourced scopes of work
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs using on-screen estimating software within required timelines
• Collaborate cross-functionally with estimators, operations teams, and internal departments
• Compile, analyze, and finalize comprehensive estimates, ensuring accuracy and adherence to bid deadlines
• Participate in internal bid-day reviews with leadership to validate pricing, scope, and strategy
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for scope completeness, compliance, and schedule alignment
• Develop value engineering options that align with client goals and project efficiency
• Prepare clear and detailed scope narratives to support proposals
• Provide post-award support to field operations, ensuring a smooth transition from estimate to execution
• Manage multiple bid schedules and consistently meet proposal deadlines
• Proactively identify project requirements and cost drivers, even with limited input data
• Balance high-level project understanding with strong attention to detail to ensure client satisfaction

Qualifications & Requirements

• 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience, preferably in industrial, HVAC, and/or plumbing systems
• Proven experience estimating process piping projects
• Strong knowledge of both Design-Build and Plan & Spec project delivery methods
• Proficiency with estimating software, on-screen takeoff tools, and spreadsheet applications
• Ability to produce accurate, competitive, and timely estimates with minimal information
• Strong understanding of cost structures and requirements for Design-Build projects
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, industrial systems, and piping systems

Preferred:

• Experience in heavy industrial mechanical estimating environments
• Advanced expertise in process piping estimation