HVAC Estimator

Job Title:

Preconstruction Manager/Estimator - HVAC Job Description The Preconstruction Manager plays a key role in supporting HVAC and mechanical construction projects from early design through construction. This position focuses on interpreting plans and specifications, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, assisting with estimating and material procurement, and contributing to accurate HVAC system design. The role works closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams to ensure projects are well-coordinated, technically sound, and delivered on schedule across multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail environments.

• Read and interpret HVAC and mechanical construction blueprints, specifications, and contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs to support project design, estimating, and construction activities.
• Develop accurate quantity takeoffs and assist with project estimating, budgeting, and material procurement.
• Conduct HVAC load calculations to support proper system sizing and design decisions.
• Review and process equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation to verify compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Create and modify HVAC layouts, drawings, and project documents using AutoCAD to support design and coordination efforts.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to support successful project execution and resolve design or constructability issues.
• Prepare and review shop drawings to ensure constructability, accuracy, and adherence to project specifications.
• Support multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects through all phases of design and construction.
• Assist with project coordination from design through construction, helping to maintain schedules, meet project requirements, and support timely delivery.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to share technical information, clarify design details, and support field installation teams.
• Participate in occasional site visits in the greater Chicago area to take field measurements and verify existing conditions.

• 35 years of experience within the HVAC industry in a preconstruction, project engineering, estimating, or closely related role.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical and HVAC construction drawings, blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.
• Hands-on experience performing ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs and developing quantity takeoffs for construction projects.
• Ability to conduct HVAC load calculations to support system sizing and design requirements.
• Experience reviewing and processing equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation for compliance.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying HVAC layouts, drawings, and project documents.
• Certified Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to stamp drawings.
• Strong technical aptitude and comfort working with email, Excel, and cloud-based file sharing tools such as Dropbox.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with project managers, engineers, and field teams to support project execution.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy in documentation, and commitment to meeting project schedules and requirements.

• Experience as a project engineer, preconstruction engineer, preconstruction manager, or estimator in the HVAC or mechanical construction industry.
• Background supporting multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects.
• Ability to adapt between design, estimating, and field coordination tasks as project needs evolve.
• Comfort working in…