The Senior Piping Estimator leads estimating and pre-construction efforts for large and complex plumbing and hydronic/HVAC piping projects across multiple market sectors. This role is responsible for hard-bid, negotiated, design-assist, and design-build pursuits from invitation through award, while serving as a technical resource on piping systems, labor strategy, estimating methodology, and commercial risk. The Senior Estimator also mentors estimating staff, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and represents the company in client-facing pre-construction activities.
- Lead complex plumbing and hydronic/HVAC piping estimates from bid invitation through project award.
- Develop bid strategy, labor approaches, subcontractor/vendor coordination, pricing structure, and final proposal recommendations.
- Prepare and audit detailed estimates in Trimble Autobid across plumbing, hydronic, medical gas, laboratory, process utility, and central plant systems.
- Review contracts, bid documents, schedules, and commercial terms to identify project risks and recommend appropriate qualifications or contingencies.
- Develop labor strategies including productivity adjustments, prevailing wage requirements, jurisdictional considerations, prefabrication planning, and schedule impacts.
- Lead pre-construction activities including conceptual estimating, value engineering, constructability reviews, parametric pricing, and client presentations.
- Serve as a technical resource on applicable plumbing, mechanical, piping, and energy codes, standards, and UA labor requirements.
- Mentor and develop Estimator I and II staff through estimate reviews, training, and project support.
- Support estimating department initiatives including workload planning, hiring input, database management, and process improvement.
- Build and maintain relationships with owners, contractors, architects, engineers, vendors, and project stakeholders.
- Coordinate estimate turnover and buyout strategy with Operations teams on awarded projects.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of UA Journeyman trade background and senior estimating experience will be considered.
- 7+ years of mechanical/plumbing estimating experience with demonstrated leadership on complex piping pursuits.
- Experience with hard-bid, negotiated, design-assist, and design-build projects required.
- Client-facing pre-construction and multi-jurisdiction UA labor experience preferred.
Knowledge & Skills
- Advanced knowledge of plumbing and hydronic/HVAC piping systems, including medical gas, laboratory, industrial process utility, and central plant applications.
- Expert proficiency in Trimble Autobid and estimating database management.
- Strong understanding of applicable codes, contracts, labor agreements, prevailing wage requirements, and construction risk management.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, scope-writing, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage complex pursuits and make sound commercial decisions in deadline-driven environments.
Certifications & Licensing
- Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record required.
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification preferred.
- Industry certifications such as ASPE CPD, LEED AP, ASSE 6010 familiarity, or estimating credentials preferred.
