Sheet Metal Estimator

Sheet Metal Estimator

We are seeking an experienced Sheet Metal Estimator to produce accurate, competitive estimates and bids for sheet metal and HVAC ductwork projects. The ideal candidate will perform detailed material takeoffs, labor and job costing, pricing, and risk assessment while ensuring compliance with industry codes and company profitability targets. This role requires strong collaboration with engineering, fabrication, procurement, and project management teams and proficiency with CAD, nesting/CNC software, ERP and advanced estimating tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare complete and timely estimates and bid packages for sheet metal and HVAC ductwork projects, including lump-sum and unit-price proposals.
• Perform detailed material takeoffs and quantity surveying for raw materials, fittings, insulation and accessories.
• Develop accurate labor costing and productivity estimates, including crew mixes, hours, and burden rates.
• Review blueprints, specifications and shop/fabrication drawings to identify scope, conflicts and constructability issues.
• Select appropriate gauges, fittings and materials and recommend material optimization and nesting strategies to reduce waste and cost.
• Use AutoCAD, Revit and nesting/CNC software (e.g., SigmaNEST) to extract quantities and validate fabrication details.
• Apply HVAC codes and standards (e.g., SMACNA, ASHRAE) to ensure estimates comply with industry and regulatory requirements.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing, maintain supplier databases and compare pricing scenarios.
• Prepare and maintain bid summaries, backup documentation, risk registers and pricing worksheets in ERP/estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Manage change order pricing and revision estimates, track impacts to budget and schedule, and communicate changes to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers and shop foremen to ensure seamless handoff from estimating to fabrication and installation.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits and client negotiations; provide clarifications, value engineering options and alternative solutions.
• Maintain historical cost data and continuously improve estimating templates, assemblies and productivity factors.
• Support project scheduling and resource planning using MS Project or similar tools to validate constructability and sequencing assumptions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience in sheet metal fabrication and HVAC ductwork projects, preferably in industrial, commercial or institutional markets.
• Proven experience with quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, labor costing, job costing and bid preparation.
• Strong blueprint reading skills and experience interpreting construction documents and shop/fabrication drawings.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit for extracting quantities and reviewing drawings.
• Experience with nesting/CNC software such as SigmaNEST and familiarity with metal cutting, shearing and fabrication processes.
• Practical knowledge of gauge selection, material properties, welding symbols/techniques and material optimization.
• Working knowledge of HVAC codes and standards (SMACNA, ASHRAE) and insulation estimating.
• Experience using ERP/estimating software and advanced Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables and macros).
• Familiarity with vendor and subcontractor pricing practices and experience managing supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills; ability to present estimates and defend assumptions to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Quantity Surveying or a related field preferred; relevant certifications are a plus (e.g., AACE, LEED).

Benefits

• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• 401(k) with Profit-Sharing
• PTO/Sick Leave
• Holidays Off
• Student Loan Rebate Opportunities
• Continued Education Provided