Mechanical Estimator - Mission Critical

Structure Tone Southwest · Dallas, TX · 1 mo ago

Management$10/hrFull-time

About the role

The Mechanical Estimator will conduct mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) estimating, budgeting, and bidding for assigned projects. They will interact with architects, clients, business development, and operations staff to ensure a clear understanding of project objectives, schedules, and other information. The role involves developing hard bids or negotiated work pricing proposals in response to specific proposal requests and obtaining all needed cost information from reliable subcontractors and material suppliers to meet project requirements. Maintaining contact with subcontractors ensures an ample supply for upcoming projects.

Responsibilities

Review plans and architectural drawings; prepare quantity take-offs for assigned MEP projects.
For negotiated work, ensure a complete review of plans and drawings. Identify omitted items and ensure appropriate accounting in the overall estimate package to represent the full project scope.
Solicit subcontractor bids for assigned MEP projects.
Review and analyze bids for conformance to project specifications, price, material quality, insurance, wages, and related items. Resolve questions with subcontractors prior to submission of the final estimate.
Maintain current information on trends in and changes to existing construction codes to ensure complete bids from subcontractors and material suppliers.
Develop scope-specific inclusion worksheets and track completion by bidding subcontractors.
Utilize appropriate software programs to calculate, record, and track estimates. Maintain proficiency in relevant software for optimal job performance.
Compute cost factors and prepare estimates for management purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work; preparing bids; selecting vendors or subcontractors; and determining cost-effectiveness.
Consult with clients, vendors, or other individuals to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Interface with other individuals in the organization to obtain support and commitment to cost estimates.
Organize and manage a centralized cost estimating database and a formal process to support cost estimating, ensuring historical data is utilized.
Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine reasons for discrepancies.
Provide improvement recommendations to cost estimating procedures to reduce future discrepancies between estimated and actual costs.
Identify cost trends to assist management in cost reduction and process improvement efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, related field experience with mechanical or electrical subcontractors, or experience with MEP Design Firms or equivalent experience required.
2-3 years of MEP estimating experience.
Well-developed estimating, communication, financial analysis, budgeting, purchasing, negotiation, and computer skills.
Sufficient knowledge of all construction systems and disciplines, including mechanical and electrical, to complete comprehensive cost estimates without assistance.

Skills

Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to gather, relate, and compare data from different sources, ensuring data is reliable, complete, and accurate.
Communications: Proven ability to speak, write, and listen in a manner that commands attention and respect.
Decision Making: Ability to analyze variables and contingencies, evaluate circumstances, assess potential outcomes, and develop logical and timely solutions.
Estimating: Strong ability to accurately develop complete labor, material, and other costs associated with MEP projects, balancing cost-effectiveness with client satisfaction.
Financial Analysis: Demonstrated ability to understand and analyze construction cost and financial data; ability to use financial data for change orders, project schedules, and business decisions.
Interpersonal and Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to forge solid working, trusting, and partnering relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and internal staff. Communicates data and positions effectively to gain acceptance or agreement.
PC Skills: Demonstrated experience and competence in office productivity tools such as Word, Excel, and MS Project. Experience in estimating and construction project management software such as Take Off, Bluebeam, Destiny (or equivalent), Building Connected, and Excel formulas.
Self-Starter: Demonstrated skill at accomplishing work without close supervision. Acts based on urgency, client needs, and firm needs without always requiring guidance.
Time Management: Demonstrated ability and success in accomplishing tasks by established deadlines; disciplined use of time management tools and techniques to multitask effectively.

Benefits