HVAC Estimator

About the role

At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. The HVAC Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC construction projects. Working closely with Estimating Leadership, Operations, Project Management, and Business Development, this role supports the entire preconstruction process by evaluating project scope, pricing strategies, constructability, scheduling, procurement risks, and execution plans to position the company to win profitable work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC projects, including new construction, renovations, replacements, and design-build work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, GMP, and hard-bid estimates.
• Partner with Operations and Project Management to review labor strategies, project schedules, constructability, and execution plans.
• Evaluate long-lead equipment, procurement strategies, and supply chain risks that may impact cost or schedule.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope reviews.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop clear bid packages and scopes of work to ensure complete and comparable pricing.
• Review proposals for scope compliance and identify cost-saving alternatives.
• Participate in bid reviews, pricing strategy discussions, and post-bid negotiations.
• Prepare proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and estimate documentation.
• Participate in project turnover meetings and communicate estimating assumptions, risks, vendor coverage, and procurement considerations.
• Assist with equipment buyout, subcontractor selection, and change order pricing as needed.
• Compare estimated versus actual costs and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, piping, ductwork, controls, and mechanical construction.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and labor, material, and equipment estimates.
• Understanding of labor productivity, project scheduling, procurement, and construction cost structures.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent field experience considered.
• Field experience in HVAC installation, piping, sheet metal, refrigeration, or mechanical construction.
• Experience with design-build, negotiated, GMP, conceptual budgeting, and hard-bid delivery methods.
• Experience estimating commercial projects valued between $250,000 and $20 million.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as QuoteSoft, Trimble AutoBid, FastPIPE/FastDUCT, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with BIM/VDC, prefabrication, and value engineering is a plus.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $95,000–$130,000

The compensation range provided represents the Company’s good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.