Mechanical Estimator

Job Title:

Senior Mechanical Estimator / Cost Manager - Preconstruction, MEP Cost Management (Data Centers)

Job Description

This Senior Mechanical Estimator / Cost Manager role focuses on developing conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical scopes on large, high-impact preconstruction programs, with a strong emphasis on data center projects. You will shape early-phase budgets, influence cost decisions, and provide clear, reliable cost guidance to clients and internal stakeholders across multiple market sectors. The position combines hands-on estimating, cost consulting, and client-facing responsibilities within a collaborative, growth-oriented project and cost management consultancy.

Responsibilities

* Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical scopes across multiple preconstruction projects, with a focus on data centers.

* Support budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, and value engineering throughout early project phases.

* Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews on estimates to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project requirements.

* Plan estimating workloads and manage tasks to deliver estimating outputs on time in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

* Conduct value analysis and value management to optimize scope, cost, and performance for complex mechanical systems.

* Reconcile change orders, invoices, and cost impacts in collaboration with general contractors, subcontractors, and third parties.

* Provide post-contract cost support, including bid analysis, cost validation, and change management for ongoing projects.

* Participate in risk and value management evaluations, identifying cost risks and opportunities and recommending mitigation strategies.

* Mentor and support estimators and estimating technicians, strengthening their technical and procedural knowledge in mechanical and MEP estimating.

* Develop and maintain strong client relationships by providing clear communication, reliable cost guidance, and responsive support.

* Prepare client-facing reports, milestone estimates, and executive-ready summaries that clearly communicate cost drivers, assumptions, and risks.

* Engage with internal stakeholders, project controls teams, and leadership to ensure alignment on cost strategies, budgets, and project objectives.

* Participate in peer reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance estimating processes, tools, and standards.

* Stay informed on local market conditions, construction trends, and industry best practices, and incorporate this knowledge into cost estimates and advice.

* Collaborate closely with project teams on bidding, quantity take-offs, and estimation for mechanical and related MEP scopes, including low voltage and electrical interfaces as relevant.

* Interpret and analyze construction schedules and specifications to ensure estimates accurately reflect project phasing, logistics, and scope.

* Support commercial construction projects by providing robust cost consulting and project budget input from early planning through delivery.

Essential Skills

* At least 5+ years of experience in mechanical estimating, ideally gained with a subcontractor or trades-level background.

* Proven experience supporting large, complex construction projects, preferably in data center construction.

* Strong background in conceptual estimating and early project planning for mechanical and MEP scopes.

* Deep technical understanding of mechanical scopes, systems, and construction methodologies, with familiarity across MEP disciplines.

* Ability to read and interpret construction schedules, drawings, and specifications.

* Advanced proficiency with cost estimating methods, tools, and processes in a construction environment.

* Strong Excel skills, including the ability to build and manage detailed cost models and analyses.

* Comfort and experience with modern estimating and construction software such as Accubid, Bluebeam, and Procore.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client-facing reporting and internal collaboration.

* Ability to analyze incomplete or evolving design information and provide clear, defensible cost guidance and options.

* Ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.

* Experience with bidding, quantity take-offs, and estimation for mechanical and related MEP scopes.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience as a cost consultant or quantity surveyor on commercial construction projects.

* background in MEP estimating, including electrical and low-voltage scopes, is highly beneficial.

* Experience working on high-impact programs across multiple market sectors, particularly data centers.

* Familiarity with project budgets, cost planning, and feasibility studies for complex building systems.

* Experience participating in risk and value management, value engineering, and value analysis workshops.

* Demonstrated ability…