Lead Estimator - Infrastructure & EPC

Job Description

The Lead Estimator - Infrastructure & EPC drives cost certainty across Fabrication & Drawing projects with a specialized focus on infrastructure and EPC environments, including utilities, plant systems, and underground piping. Operating within the VDC division, this role leads a team of estimators - providing day-to-day direction, workload oversight, and professional development - while partnering closely with Sales, Engineering, and cross-divisional teams to deliver accurate, competitive estimates and ensure seamless handoffs from quote through project execution. The ideal candidate combines deep piping knowledge and strong BIM fluency with the leadership presence to elevate the performance and capability of the estimating group.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of entry and mid-level estimators, providing guidance on estimation workflows, technical standards, and professional growth.
• Oversee daily workload distribution across the estimating team, balancing capacity against incoming Sales support requests and project deadlines.
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, and foster a collaborative, high-accountability team environment.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex scope, technical, or scheduling challenges arising within the estimating group.
• Support onboarding and structured training for new estimators, ensuring consistent application of VDC procedures and quality standards across all experience levels.

Estimating & Scope Development

• Coordinate with Sales on early-stage opportunities to ensure alignment prior to submittal, enabling an efficient project lifecycle.
• Prepare and evaluate BIM Fabrication packages, Material & Labor comparisons, Joint Count Conversions, Engineering Model Conversions, and Material Take-Offs (MTOs) for infrastructure and EPC projects.
• Translate customer documents, piping specifications, and mechanical drawings into accurate, risk-informed cost estimates.
• Determine scope coverage, identify and communicate scope gaps, and manage risk exposure with Sales and customers.
• Assist Sales teams in presenting VDC package quotes and supporting proposal development, including bid and project presentations.

Project Coordination & Quality Control - Technical Review

• Review and validate piping drawings, models, Bills of Materials (BOMs), isometric drawings, and spool sheets for compliance with VDC procedures and infrastructure-specific standards.
• Lead technical review of Sales-supplied requests, ensuring scope accuracy and completeness before estimate development begins.
• Perform material and labor cost comparisons to validate estimate competitiveness and flag variance for management review.
• Monitor quote tracking and deadlines; provide regular status updates to the Estimating Manager.
• Enforce quality control standards in line with current department requirements and VDC division policies.

Scheduling & Cross-Functional Communication

• Deliver weekly status updates ensuring alignment on project timelines and deliverables across all stakeholders.
• Coordinate and assign incoming Sales support requests; manage team scheduling to balance capacity and meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional Sales Operations, Sales, US FAB, Engineering, and PMD teams to streamline project execution.
• Lead and support coordination meetings to surface challenges, share insights, and drive timely resolution.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify and propose improvements to VDC procedures, estimating methodologies, and toolsets; champion adoption across the estimating team.
• Evaluate emerging estimating technologies and AI-assisted workflows; recommend integrations that improve throughput and accuracy.
• Support other VDC departments and provide backup coverage as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Associate degree in Drafting Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Plumbing, or Fire Protection Engineering, or equivalent discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience will be considered.

Experience

• 4-6 years of progressive experience in piping estimation, coordination, engineering, or design, with demonstrated growth in responsibility.
• Prior experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory estimating capacity strongly preferred.
• Background in HVAC, industrial, or infrastructure environments (EPC, Water/Wastewater, Municipal, or Utilities) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge in Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks; Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project) required.
• Hands-on experience with estimating platforms such as Bluebeam preferred; familiarity with Onscreen Takeoff, AutoBid Est-MECH, or QuoteSoft a plus.
• Strong command of piping specifications and mechanical piping drawings, with emphasis on infrastructure-specific layouts.
• Comfort with AI tools and AI-assisted workflows preferred.

Professional Competencies

• Proven leadership and team development skills; ability to coach estimators across all experience levels - from entry-level to mid-level professionals.
• Clear written and verbal communication with the ability to convey technical requirements to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges.
• Customer and interpersonal skills suited to cross-functional collaboration and Sales-facing engagement.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality in a deadline-driven project environment.