HVAC Estimator

Job Title:

HVAC Estimator Job Description

The HVAC/Mechanical Estimator is responsible for analyzing and evaluating project bid documents such as Requests for Proposal, Drawings, and Specifications to accurately estimate costs for HVAC and mechanical systems. Cross-disciplinary knowledge is highly valued for this position.

• Read, study, and understand the bidding documents as they relate to specific projects.

• Perform accurate and detailed labor and material take-offs for HVAC and mechanical systems, including sheet metal ductwork, hydronic piping, steam, and specialized process piping.

• Interact and effectively communicate with vendors and subcontractors to evaluate and solicit quotes related to specific projects.

• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits as needed.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with trade partners such as engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.

• Collaborate with project operations during project hand-offs and throughout the project lifespan.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of codes, labor applications, and material enhancements.

• Support value engineering and design-assist efforts and recommend cost-saving alternatives and ideas where applicable.

• 5+ years of experience in estimating and take-off of HVAC and mechanical projects, focusing on heavy commercial, healthcare, industrial, and institutional type projects.

• Strong understanding of HVAC and mechanical systems.

• Proficiency with the Trimble suite of estimating software, including Auto Bid Mechanical (ABMC) and Auto Bid Sheet Metal (ABSM).

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite products such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency with Adobe and/or Bluebeam.

• Ability to read, interpret, and understand construction documents such as blueprints, schematics, and technical literature.

• Strong math, analytic, and organizational skills.

• Familiarity with Customer Relations Management (CRM) web-based platforms.

• Excellent communication and collaboration capabilities.

• Experience in mechanical contracting or engineering.

• Familiarity with local and national building codes.

• Experience in design-build and design-assist environments.

• Plumbing estimating experience is a plus.

The position is based in an office located in Knoxville. The company offers a supportive work environment with a culture built on safety, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship. Employees enjoy benefits such as paid vacation and holidays, excellent family health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), long term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) and 401(k) matching plans. There are opportunities to grow in commercial, industrial, and large-scale mechanical work.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $48.08/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 21, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.