Estimator

About the role

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions. As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced Estimator to join our Preconstruction team at our headquarters in Sterling, Virginia. This role is responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates for commercial HVAC and plumbing projects, including negotiated work, hard bids, and design-build opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate estimates for commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents to understand project requirements
• Develop estimates for negotiated, hard-bid, and design-build opportunities
• Evaluate project scope and identify potential risks, exclusions, and cost considerations
• Maintain accurate and organized estimating documentation throughout the bid process
• Review bid invitations and project documents to determine scope and estimating requirements
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Compare proposals to ensure scope coverage and identify potential gaps
• Coordinate bid requirements, deadlines, and deliverables
• Assist with preparing final proposals, clarifications, qualifications, and scope documentation
• Support bid reviews to ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, Engineering, and field teams to develop comprehensive project estimates
• Participate in project reviews, scope discussions, and preconstruction meetings
• Work with vendors, subcontractors, engineers, and other project partners to clarify requirements
• Support project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations following award
• Share lessons learned and historical cost information to improve future estimates
• Analyze project plans and specifications to identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimization
• Assist with conceptual budgeting and early-stage project pricing
• Maintain current knowledge of material pricing, labor costs, market conditions, and construction trends
• Utilize historical project data to improve estimating accuracy
• Help identify potential project risks and opportunities during the preconstruction process

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating, engineering, construction, or project management experience within related markets
• Experience working with Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems
• Strong understanding of commercial construction principles, methods, and