Senior Mechanical Estimator

POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Mechanical Estimator (Refrigeration & HVAC) is responsible for developing accurate estimates and customer-facing proposals for commercial refrigeration and HVAC replacement, retrofit, capital improvement, service, and construction projects.

This role evaluates labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and project risks while partnering with Operations, Project Management, and customers to develop competitive, profitable solutions. Projects may include supermarkets, grocery stores, retail facilities, warehouses, restaurants, higher education, hospitals, and general commercial facilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Estimating & Project Evaluation Develop detailed estimates for refrigeration and HVAC replacements, retrofits, remodels, capital projects, and new installations.

Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, equipment schedules, bid documents, and customer requirements to define project scope and pricing.

Perform labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor takeoffs and develop accurate project cost projections.

Solicit, evaluate, and compare vendor and subcontractor quotations.

Identify project risks, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and cost impacts.

Conduct site visits, field investigations, project walkthroughs, and pre-bid meetings as needed.

Prepare ROM, budgetary, conceptual, and detailed estimates and update pricing based on project revisions and market conditions.

Proposal Development Prepare customer-facing proposals including scope, pricing, assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications.

Develop value-engineering recommendations and alternative solutions that support customer and business objectives.

Present estimates and proposals to internal stakeholders and customers as required.

Operations & Project Support Partner with Operations, Project Management, Purchasing, and Finance to validate labor assumptions, schedules, resource requirements, and execution plans.

Participate in estimate reviews, project handoff meetings, and project turnover activities.

Support pricing for change orders, project modifications, and additional work opportunities.

Business Support Maintain estimating records, pricing databases, cost histories, and supporting documentation.

Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

Stay current on HVAC and refrigeration technologies, industry trends, and estimating best practices.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience Minimum 7 years of experience in commercial refrigeration, HVAC, mechanical contracting, construction estimating, project management, field operations, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience independently preparing estimates for commercial refrigeration and/or HVAC projects.

Strong understanding of commercial refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment, installation methods, materials, and construction practices.

Experience supporting replacement, retrofit, remodel, capital improvement, service, and new construction projects.

Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines with minimal supervision.

Experience working within a union labor environment, including familiarity with labor classifications, wage rates, productivity expectations, and labor agreements.

Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting supermarket, grocery, retail, restaurant, warehouse, industrial, or other multi-site commercial facilities.

Experience with CO₂ refrigeration systems, rack systems, piping, controls, and leak detection technologies.

Experience developing customer-facing proposals and value-engineering recommendations.

Experience supporting national accounts or multi-site programs.

Bluebeam experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to identify project risks, scope gaps, and cost impacts.

Ability to present technical information clearly and professionally.

Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to balance technical, operational, and financial considerations.

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Travel Requirements Approximately 50% travel for customer meetings, site walks, pre-bid meetings, field investigations, and project reviews.

Travel throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with additional travel as business needs require.

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