Commercial HVAC Estimator

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

As a Commercial HVAC Estimator, you will review project documents, analyze scope requirements, and prepare pricing for a variety of HVAC construction, retrofit, and tenant improvement projects. You will play an important role in identifying project risks, evaluating solution options, and helping position projects for long-term success.

• Prepare cost estimates for commercial HVAC installations, renovations, system replacements, and design-build projects.
• Review architectural, mechanical, and engineering drawings to identify project requirements and scope.
• Perform digital takeoffs for air distribution systems, HVAC equipment, controls, piping, insulation, and related components.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor budgets to support accurate project pricing.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, subcontractor proposals, and vendor pricing information.
• Create conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, and final bid packages.
• Analyze project specifications and determine potential cost impacts, exclusions, or scope gaps.
• Work with project managers and field personnel to verify construction methods and estimate assumptions.
• Assist in preparing proposal narratives, budget summaries, and scope clarification documents.
• Recommend alternative equipment selections and cost-effective solutions when applicable.
• Participate in job walks, pre-bid meetings, and customer discussions as needed.
• Support awarded projects by providing estimating documentation during project turnover.
• Maintain historical pricing information and estimating databases for future opportunities.

• Commercial HVAC equipment and systems.
• Rooftop units, split systems, and packaged equipment.
• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology.
• Ductwork fabrication and installation practices.
• Hydronic piping and mechanical distribution systems.
• Building controls and automation systems.
• Heating and cooling plant equipment.
• Energy-efficient HVAC solutions and retrofit strategies.

• Experience estimating commercial HVAC, mechanical construction, or related building systems projects.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, labor factors, and estimating fundamentals.
• Experience using estimating software, takeoff tools, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and profitability.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Background working for an HVAC contractor, mechanical contractor, design-build firm, or construction company.
• Knowledge of commercial building codes, industry standards, and mechanical regulations.
• Experience supporting preconstruction planning and project budgeting efforts.
• Familiarity with value engineering, conceptual estimating, and cost forecasting.
• Technical education, certifications, or coursework related to HVAC, construction management, engineering, or building systems.

• Produces accurate and competitive estimates that support profitable project execution.
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce project costs,…