Senior Estimator

About the role

We are seeking an Estimator for an industrial mechanical contractor to lead full-cycle estimating for battery plant and data center projects. In this client-facing role, you will be responsible for building conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and competitive bids. You will focus on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel, partnering with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy, ultimately helping to win profitable work. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frankfort, IL.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle estimating for battery plant and data center projects.
• Build conceptual budgets and detailed estimates.
• Prepare competitive bids with a focus on equipment installation, piping, rigging, and structural steel.
• Partner with engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to define scope, sequencing, constructability, and pricing strategy.
• Prepare and present estimates to clients and leadership.
• Solicit, evaluate, and manage subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Perform quantity take-offs, labor productivity analysis, and material pricing.
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and evaluate value engineering opportunities.
• Manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Skills

• 3-5+ years of experience in construction estimating.
• Strong mechanical construction experience in equipment installation, process and utility piping, and structural steel work.
• Field experience in industrial construction trades.
• Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills for client presentations and team collaboration.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with estimating and digital takeoff software.
• Understanding of industrial construction means and methods, sequencing, and constructability.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel for site visits, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and post-bid reviews.
• Experience in risk identification and mitigation strategy development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Pay

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $67.31/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Schedule

The role is primarily office-based in Frankfort, IL, with some flexibility for remote work. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Travel is minimal, typically a couple of day trips per month within the Midwest, with very limited overnight travel. Site visits are infrequent, under five days per month.