Sr Estimator (Mechanical Contractor) | HVAC

Software Placement Group; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group is seeking a Senior Estimator for our Danbury, CT office to lead the preparation of competitive bids on complex mechanical projects. The role emphasizes pre-bid involvement, reviewing drawings, coordinating with subcontractors, and delivering accurate estimates to meet deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience, with process piping, and familiarity with Design-Build and Plan & Spec methods, plus strong communication with

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-bid meetings and scope reviews to fully understand project requirements.
• 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.

Skills

Mechanical estimating

Process piping estimation

Design-Build

Plan & Spec

Estimating software

Takeoff tools

Cost analysis

Client/vendor communication

HVAC systems

Industrial piping

Tools

On-screen takeoff tools

Estimating software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Location: Danbury, CT | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

A mechanical contracting firm specializing in HVAC, industrial, and plumbing systems is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the preparation of competitive, accurate bids on complex mechanical projects. This role is critical to winning new work and ensuring a smooth transition from estimate to field execution.

What you'll do

• 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

Required qualifications

• 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 qualifications

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

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to shape winning project strategies from pre-bid through post-award, working across HVAC, industrial, and plumbing systems with strong cross-functional collaboration.