Estimator; Level III-V in Des Moines

Position Summary

The Integrated Controls Estimator plays a critical role in the success of our projects by developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for building automation and HVAC controls systems. Depending on experience level, this individual may serve as a lead estimator, senior technical authority, or enterprise‑level subject matter expert responsible for guiding estimating strategy, mentoring team members, and influencing business decisions on complex projects.

This position partners closely with sales, engineering, project management, contractors, consultants, and suppliers to deliver high‑quality estimates while identifying risk, validating scope, and protecting project profitability.

• Develop complete cost estimates for Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC controls, and related control system projects
• Review plans, specifications, drawings, sequences of operation, and bid documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs and labor calculations
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and project risks
• Evaluate vendor, subcontractor, and supplier pricing
• Develop value engineering alternatives and pricing options
• Support bid strategy discussions and pricing recommendations
• Participate in estimate reviews, bid evaluations, and project turnover meetings
• Monitor labor assumptions, market pricing trends, and vendor costs to ensure competitive and accurate estimates

• Collaborate with engineering teams to validate system architecture, control strategies, integration requirements, and project scope
• Coordinate with project management teams during awarded project handoffs
• Ensure estimating assumptions, budgets, exclusions, and deliverables are clearly communicated
• Participate in internal scope reviews to improve estimate quality and consistency
• Support pre‑bid walkthroughs, contractor meetings, and post‑bid reviews

• Maintain current knowledge of:
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS)
  • HVAC Controls
  • DDC Controls
  • BACnet, Modbus, and building communication protocols
  • HVAC equipment and mechanical systems
  • Energy codes and industry standards
  • Control hardware and field devices
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with:
    • Mechanical contractors
    • General contractors
    • Consulting engineers
    • Equipment manufacturers
    • Controls vendors and distributors

For more senior levels, responsibilities may include:

• Mentoring and coaching estimators
• Reviewing and approving estimates
• Establishing labor models and estimating standards
• Developing pricing strategies and risk management processes
• Advising leadership on market trends and estimating risk
• Driving estimating process improvements and best practices
• Supporting high‑profile, complex, or mission‑critical pursuits
• Influencing long‑term estimating strategy and governance

• 5–7+ years of Building Automation, HVAC Controls, Controls Construction, Mechanical Systems, or related estimating experience
• Associate degree or coursework in Construction Management, Engineering, Electrical, or a related technical field; or equivalent experience
• Ability to independently lead complex estimates
• Experience identifying scope gaps, project risk, and constructability concerns
• Experience mentoring junior estimators

• 7–10+ years of advanced Building Automation or HVAC Controls estimating experience
• Associate degree or coursework in Construction Management, Engineering, Electrical, or a related technical field; or equivalent experience
• Deep technical understanding of BAS architectures, HVAC systems, and controls integration
• Ability to independently manage highly complex projects and estimating strategies
• Experience developing labor models, pricing methodologies, and estimating standards
• Recognized as a technical resource and subject matter expert

• 10+ years of advanced Building Automation or HVAC Controls estimating experience
• Associate degree or coursework in Construction Management, Engineering, Electrical, or a related technical field; or equivalent experience
• Enterprise‑level technical expertise
• Ability to advise leadership on pricing strategy, market dynamics, and risk management
• Experience solving highly complex or unprecedented estimating challenges
• Proven track record influencing organizational estimating practices and business outcomes

• Strong technical aptitude and business acumen
• Ability to identify risk before it becomes a problem
• Detail‑oriented while maintaining a strategic perspective
• Comfortable working independently on complex projects
• Collaborative approach to problem‑solving
• Passion for continuous improvement and professional development