Project Manager/Estimator

For more than 75 years, Air Equipment Company has been solving the toughest HVAC challenges with smart, reliable solutions. We partner with over 45 leading manufacturers to bring cutting-edge air systems to life—and we do it with a team that values agility, collaboration, and fresh thinking. From engineers to sales and support, every voice on our team plays a part in pushing the industry forward.

At AEC, you’ll join a company where local roots meet the strength of a national network—giving you the tools to grow, the space to innovate, and the chance to make a real impact from day one. We are proud to have been recognized as one of Kentucky's Best Places to Work for three consecutive years and ranked among the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Kentucky. These accolades reflect our commitment to fostering a positive work environment and delivering exceptional value to our customers.

About the role

This role will require learning all aspects of AEC applied equipment products and systems to estimate and manage projects. As the Project Manager/Estimator, you will be responsible for equipment applications, project pricing, producing and managing submittals, equipment ordering, and project management. You must be detail-oriented, customer service-focused, and highly organized. The position requires strong oral and written communication with the sales team, customers, and manufacturers to ensure timely completion of assigned projects while maintaining customer satisfaction. You must be able to work well with others in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain job files for each project throughout its duration
• Optimize the project through the stages of product selection, specifications, plans, estimates, proposals, value engineering, and redesigns
• Manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis and ensure projects stay within budget
• Update project billing milestones and manage margin slip
• Communicate with owners, architects, MEP consultants, and general, mechanical, and temperature controls contractors
• Organize project-related data for order entry
• Respond to and track IOM & submittal requests
• Read, understand, and interpret building plans & specifications
• Develop and grow relationships with customers, contractors, project engineers, and manufacturers
• Determine project requirements, constraints, and sales team responsibilities to meet all customer system design, installation, and maintenance expectations
• Investigate concerns, implement corrective action, and communicate with customers and co-workers to maximize customer satisfaction
• Develop a strong understanding of applied products, including rooftop units, air handling units, terminal units, humidifiers, and chillers, among others

Measure of Success

• Technical Proficiency:
  • Demonstrate expertise in applications engineering by independently creating accurate submittals, reviewing designs, and supporting the sales team within the first six months
  • Complete at least 80 hours of product training on key product lines within the first year
• Customer Satisfaction:
  • Receive positive feedback from internal stakeholders and external customers, measured through quarterly feedback
• Operational Efficiency:
  • Maintain detailed and up-to-date records in Salesforce and SharePoint, tracking all opportunity activities, customer interactions, and project progress

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a minimum of 5 years of field experience in mechanical or building controls applications
• Working knowledge of MEP consulting, architecture, design, CAD, general contracting, mechanical contracting, engineering, or construction industry
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, deal with ambiguity, and manage high-volume projects
• Strong PC skills in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Skills

• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong written, verbal, and presentational communication skills
• Ability to switch quickly between tasks based on priority and timeline
• Works well within a team dynamic to ensure timely execution of tasks
• High computer proficiency (comfort with Word, Excel, and using an internet browser)
• Critical thinking ability and willingness to learn

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity and talk or hear
• Continually utilize visual acuity to read technical information and/or use a keyboard
• Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items less than 25 pounds

Resources Provided

• Onboarding program with one-on-one support from Senior Sales Engineer and other team members
• Professional development opportunities through seminars, conferences, web-based training, and onsite manufacturer visits, as well as custom individual development plans