Principal Mechanical Estimator

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world.

About the Role

At Black & Veatch, you’ll be part of work that matters—designing, creating, and building the infrastructure communities rely on every day, from concept through execution. We care about how the work gets done as much as what we build. Safety is built into every decision, and people look out for each other—speaking up, collaborating, and doing the right thing because it affects real lives.

Join the Black & Veatch Construction team and build with pride. As a 100% employee-owned company, every role matters—you own your work, your impact, and your future. We lead with care, and safety is non-negotiable and embedded into every role, site, and decision. From field engineering to project management to quality and startup, you’ll work with cutting-edge technology, learn from seasoned experts, and grow through real-world, hands-on experience. With a strong backlog across power, water, grid, and industrial markets, you’ll have the stability to grow and the opportunity to shape what comes next.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees the preparation of lump sum, unit rate, and cost-plus estimates, from preliminary cost analysis through detailed definitive estimates, supporting proposals, project controls, and change order management.
• Leads pre-construction activities and coordinates estimating efforts across project phases.
• Delegates technical and administrative responsibilities to subordinates while retaining primary accountability for compliance in each area.
• Reviews the status of personnel assigned relative to technical, administrative, and training requirements.
• Performs other administrative, supervisory, and technical duties as assigned.
• Prepares cost estimates on proposals, projects, and studies, ensuring the content of the estimate is complete, accurate, and meets the requirements of the estimate or project plan.
• Plans, coordinates, reviews, verifies, and analyzes all aspects of estimates and estimate presentation.
• Maintains the Company estimating database.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to the Project Manager in the preparation of all levels of estimates, ranging from simple factored or curve-type analysis to complex multi-billion dollar lump sum bids.
• Appraises overall accuracy of estimates and recommends contingencies for estimates such as Lump Sum bids, Defined Estimates, and Interim Control Estimates.
• Ensures the orderly flow of project assignments through the area in keeping with schedules and within manpower budgets.
• Assists Estimating leadership with an independent assessment of an estimate's accuracy upon completion.
• Recommends detailed estimating procedures and techniques to be utilized in the development of the estimate.
• Assists in planning and development of formal training programs to maintain and improve estimating techniques, procedures, and capabilities for both new and experienced personnel.
• Maintains familiarity with estimating and cost engineering developments outside the company and assesses their significance, suggesting application to company business where warranted.
• Identifies and assesses improvement opportunities which will add value.
• Proactively supports, encourages, and facilitates staff to engage in continuous improvement activities while championing change management efforts.

Pre-Construction Activities

• Performs Scope Review focusing on:
  • Project Objectives
  • Deliverables
  • Overall Project Requirements
• Performs Site Investigation analysis.
• Coordinates the Pre-Construction/Estimating team(s) in developing preliminary Work Packages.
• Works with Project Controls and the Project Execution Team to develop the Project P6 Schedule.
• Participates in coordination discussions concerning final project design.
• Participates in all Constructability reviews.
• Identifies and communicates Value Engineering opportunities during Scope Review and Work Package development.
• Performs risk assessment and participates in mitigation strategy discussions during the development of Project Work Packages.
• Participates in Preliminary EHS planning sessions focusing on site-specific considerations.
• Participates in Site Logistic conversations and provides input on construction effects.
• Participates in discussions surrounding the QA/QC program and its effects on Construction.

Management Responsibilities

• Supervises the work of others.
• Responsible for hiring, discipline, and pay administration of subordinates.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience, including estimating experience.
• Leadership experience with management interactions.
• Thorough understanding of the construction estimating process.
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS graduate in Construction Management or related field.
• Field experience (5+ years).
• Project experience (5+ years).
• Cost control and scheduling exposure.
• Change management, process optimization, and/or technology implementation initiatives experience.

Skills

• Ability to manage complex estimates (e.g., in size, scope, or organization, multinational joint ventures).
• Scheduling/planning skills.
• Cost engineering skills.
• Development of subordinates.
• Mathematical skills.
• Project design scopes.
• Consulting skills.
• Problem-solving.
• Planning skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Consensus team builder.
• Ability to function in an international joint environment.
• Interpret and understand specifications and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft CoPilot 365.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Typical office environment. Travel as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurances.
• Disability and a robust wellness program.
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.
• Company-matched 401k plan.
• Adoption reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Vendor discounts.
• Employment referral program.
• AD&D insurance.
• Pre-taxed accounts.
• Voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union.
• Performance-based bonus program for eligible professionals.
• 100 percent ESOP-owned company, empowering professionals to drive personal growth and share in financial rewards through stock ownership.