Estimator, Construction

Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually

• Review project plans, specifications, addenda, and related documents to understand the defined scope and basis of design for building automation work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs (devices, controllers, panels, wiring quantities where applicable, labor units, and subcontractor needs) in alignment with the intent and approach defined by Inside and Outside Sales Engineers.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, subcontractors, and other project costs using company standards, historical data, and approved estimating tools.
• Prepare clear estimate back‑up, including bill of materials, labor summaries, and documented assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions, so Inside and Outside Sales Engineers can build compelling proposals and pricing strategies.
• Work closely with Inside and Outside Sales Engineers to confirm the estimating basis (scope boundaries, alternates, preferred vendors, risk areas, and value‑engineering options) before and after each major estimate.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations (including primary wiring subcontractors where applicable), ensuring clarity of scope, alignment with project documents, and consistency with the overall estimate.
• Participate in internal review cycles (estimate reviews, peer checks, and turnover discussions) with sales, operations, and, when appropriate, leadership to validate completeness, accuracy, and risk.
• Assist Inside Sales Engineers with assembling internal estimate packages and customer‑facing proposal inputs (scope narratives, options pricing, alternates) while leaving final value messaging and pricing strategy to the sales team.
• Support revision of estimates for scope changes, addenda, and value‑engineering ideas identified by the sales team or customers, updating quantities, labor, and pricing as required.
• Maintain organized estimating files, unit cost libraries, and takeoff standards to drive consistency, repeatability, and continuous improvement in estimating practices.
• Collaborate with project management and operations during handoff as requested, helping explain quantities, assumptions, and scope boundaries to support successful execution.

• Work as an integral part of the regional sales and operations team, responding to estimating requests from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers according to agreed priorities and timelines.
• Seek regular coaching from Inside and Outside Sales Engineers and project/operations leaders on solution approaches, customer expectations, and how estimates support the overall pursuit and execution plan.
• Proactively build knowledge of HBT’s building automation offerings, HVAC systems, cost drivers, and common application/design approaches to improve estimating quality and prepare for future advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with a growth‑oriented role: curiosity, openness to feedback, and a willingness to take on increasing responsibility as skills and business needs evolve.

• Degree or coursework in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent experience in HVAC, BAS, or construction estimating considered.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and detail‑orientation skills for takeoffs and cost build‑ups.
• Basic understanding of HVAC and/or building automation systems with the desire and capacity to deepen technical knowledge.
• Proficiency with Excel, basic estimating or takeoff tools (for example, Bluebeam, Plan Swift, or similar), and comfort learning company estimating systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document assumptions, coordinate with vendors/subcontractors, and collaborate with Inside and Outside Sales Engineers and project teams.
• Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team‑oriented mindset with a strong internal customer service focus toward the sales and operations teams.

• Accuracy of estimates, as reflected in variance between estimated and actual job costs and in feedback from operations and sales.
• Timeliness of estimate completion relative to bid dates and internal milestones agreed with Inside/Outside Sales Engineers.
• Completeness and clarity of estimate documentation (takeoff back‑up, assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, vendor/subcontractor coverage).
• Responsiveness and collaboration with Inside Sales Engineers, Outside Sales Engineers, and project/operations teams.
• Demonstrated growth in technical knowledge and estimating proficiency and readiness for potential advancement into broader commercial or project responsibilities, as aligned with organizational needs.

Salary range: $55K - $80K. Final pay is commensurate on experience.