Lead Mechanical Estimator - Tysons, VA

Overview

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber‑physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

The Lead Mechanical Estimator provides leadership, oversight, and technical direction for the mechanical estimating function. This role is responsible for managing major project pursuits, leading estimating teams, establishing estimating standards and best practices, and ensuring the development of accurate, competitive, and executable cost proposals. The Lead Mechanical Estimator serves as the primary estimating resource for complex, high‑value, and mission‑critical projects while acting as a strategic partner to operations, engineering, business development, procurement, and executive leadership.

Estimating Leadership

• Lead the preparation and review of all major mechanical estimates, budgets, Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMPs), and design‑build proposals.
• Direct estimating teams through all phases of the pursuit lifecycle, from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.
• Establish estimating strategies, work plans, schedules, and resource assignments for major pursuits.
• Ensure estimating deliverables are consistent, accurate, complete, and aligned with company standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating and preconstruction organization.

Technical Expertise

• Oversee detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, process systems, hydronics, controls, and other mechanical infrastructure.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, labor challenges, logistics requirements, and procurement strategies.
• Lead value engineering efforts and identify innovative solutions to improve project cost, schedule, and performance.
• Develop labor productivity models, installation strategies, and execution plans to support estimate development.
• Analyze historical data, market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy.

Proposal & Preconstruction Management

• Lead multidisciplinary estimating efforts involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, controls, fire protection, and specialty systems.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor solicitation activities and evaluate pricing for compliance and competitiveness.
• Perform bid leveling, scope comparisons, and procurement analysis.
• Support proposal development, executive reviews, customer presentations, and interview teams.
• Participate in project pursuit strategy meetings and help determine bid / no‑bid recommendations.

Business & Operational Support

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Operations Managers, Engineers, Procurement, and Business Development personnel to develop winning project strategies.
• Provide executive leadership with detailed cost analyses, risk assessments, and pricing recommendations.
• Support project turnover meetings to ensure successful transition from preconstruction to operations.
• Assist in developing annual business plans, forecasting workload requirements, and staffing strategies for the estimating department.
• Maintain and improve estimating databases, assemblies, labor units, and historical cost information.

Team Leadership & Development

• Direct and mentor Mechanical Estimators I, II, III, and Senior Estimators.
• Conduct estimate reviews…