Chief Estimator; Mechanical

Position: Chief Estimator (Mechanical)

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

About the Company

A leading mechanical HVAC contractor is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead HVAC and piping estimating operations in Bellingham, WA. This senior-level role oversees mechanical estimating strategy, preconstruction leadership, and team development for complex commercial, industrial, and institutional construction projects.

About the Role

This position is ideal for a seasoned mechanical estimator, senior estimator, or estimating manager ready to step into a Chief Estimator role with regional influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC and piping estimating for commercial and industrial mechanical construction projects
• Develop standardized estimating procedures, pricing models, and bid strategies
• Analyze historical cost data and market conditions to improve estimate accuracy
• Oversee estimating databases, bid management systems, and cost history tools
• Lead pre-bid meetings, go/no-go decisions, and pricing strategy sessions

Preconstruction & Bid Management

• Prepare and/or oversee detailed mechanical estimates using Trimble estimating software
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers for HVAC and piping pricing
• Review final estimate packages for completeness, accuracy, and risk exposure
• Participate in scope reviews, page turns, and project turnover meetings
• Support proposal development, scope letters, and value engineering efforts
• Manage, mentor, and develop a mechanical estimating team
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of HVAC estimators
• Establish performance metrics and accountability within the estimating department

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with project management, operations, and executive leadership
• Support client presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations
• Lead estimating-to-operations handoff and pre-planning efforts
• Assist with change order pricing and contract reviews as needed
• Build long-term relationships with clients, engineers, and trade partners

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical HVAC and piping estimating experience
• 10+ years of experience with construction contracts, preconstruction, and estimating strategy
• Extensive experience with Trimble estimating and takeoff software
• 5+ years of experience leading or mentoring mechanical estimating teams
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills

Required Skills

• Mechanical HVAC and piping estimating experience
• Construction contracts and preconstruction strategy
• Trimble estimating and takeoff software proficiency
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities

Preferred Skills

• Experience in large-scale HVAC and piping projects
• Strong operational support experience

Pay range and compensation package

Base salary: $110,000 – $165,000 + bonus

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave

Short-term incentive plan

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.

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