Plumbing Estimator

 

Position Overview

Our client is a well-established, highly respected mechanical and specialty construction contractor seeking an experienced Senior Plumbing Estimator to join its San Diego team.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an estimating professional with a strong background in commercial plumbing and mechanical construction to contribute to complex projects while working alongside experienced construction professionals.

The Senior Plumbing Estimator will be responsible for preparing comprehensive cost estimates, developing competitive bid packages, coordinating with subcontractors and vendors, and supporting project teams throughout the preconstruction and construction phases.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically proficient, and capable of managing multiple estimating assignments while maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, and building strong professional relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare detailed plumbing and mechanical construction estimates, including project budgets, bid packages, and supporting documentation.

• Manage the estimating process for assigned projects, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.

• Review project drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop comprehensive estimates.

• Prepare subcontractor scopes of work and evaluate proposals for completeness and alignment with project specifications.

• Lead scope reviews, estimate reviews, and bid coordination meetings.

• Identify potential scope gaps, discrepancies, and opportunities for cost efficiency.

• Coordinate with project management teams to ensure a smooth transition from estimating to construction.

Change Order & Project Support

• Participate in change order meetings and assist Project Managers with reviewing, validating, and pricing project changes.

• Support estimating and pricing activities across multiple active projects.

• Collaborate with internal project teams, subcontractors, and vendors to address scope and cost-related questions.

• Maintain accurate estimating documentation and support project budget development.

Team Leadership & Business Development

• Mentor and assist in training junior estimating professionals.

• Establish and maintain productive relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.

• Participate in business development efforts to strengthen existing client relationships and identify new opportunities.

• Collaborate with estimating, operations, and management teams to support company objectives.

• Demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills while managing competing priorities.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of plumbing estimating experience, preferably within commercial construction or mechanical contracting.

• Proficiency with plumbing estimating and takeoff software such as Trimble AutoBid, FastPIPE, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable platforms.

• Strong understanding of plumbing construction systems, materials, and estimating practices.

• Ability to develop detailed estimates, bid packages, and subcontractor scopes of work.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively with Project Managers, subcontractors, vendors, and senior management.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent technical training and relevant industry experience will also be considered.

• Experience developing and maintaining client relationships and supporting business development initiatives.

• Previous experience mentoring or training junior estimators.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $95,000 – $115,000 per year

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with annual employer contributions

• Discretionary cash bonus program

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions

• 100% employer-paid medical coverage for employees, with up to approximately two-thirds of family coverage paid by the employer

• Company-provided life insurance

• Optional dental and vision insurance

• Additional employee benefits and professional development opportunities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods.

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

• Sufficient visual acuity to review construction drawings, specifications, and digital documents.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced commercial plumbing estimator with a proven ability to independently prepare accurate, competitive estimates for mechanical contracting projects.

They should have strong experience with plumbing takeoffs, estimating software, subcontractor bid reviews, scope development, project budgeting, and change order pricing.

Candidates who have worked for commercial plumbing contractors, mechanical contractors, or large specialty construction firms and who can balance hands-on estimating with vendor coordination and team mentorship are particularly well suited for this opportunity.