Lead Mechanical Estimator - Tysons, VA

The Lead Mechanical Estimator provides leadership, oversight, and technical direction for the mechanical estimating function. This role is responsible for managing major project pursuits, leading estimating teams, establishing estimating standards and best practices, and ensuring the development of accurate, competitive, and executable cost proposals. The Lead Mechanical Estimator serves as the primary estimating resource for complex, high-value, and mission-critical projects while acting as a strategic partner to operations, engineering, business development, procurement, and executive leadership.

Estimating Leadership

• Lead the preparation and review of all major mechanical estimates, budgets, Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMPs), and design-build proposals.
• Direct estimating teams through all phases of the pursuit lifecycle, from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.
• Establish estimating strategies, work plans, schedules, and resource assignments for major pursuits.
• Ensure estimating deliverables are consistent, accurate, complete, and aligned with company standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating and preconstruction organization.

Technical Expertise

• Oversee detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, process systems, hydronics, controls, and other mechanical infrastructure.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability concerns, labor challenges, logistics requirements, and procurement strategies.
• Lead value engineering efforts and identify innovative solutions to improve project cost, schedule, and performance.
• Develop labor productivity models, installation strategies, and execution plans to support estimate development.
• Analyze historical data, market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy.

Proposal & Preconstruction Management

• Lead multidisciplinary estimating efforts involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, controls, fire protection, and specialty systems.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor solicitation activities and evaluate pricing for compliance and competitiveness.
• Perform bid leveling, scope comparisons, and procurement analysis.
• Support proposal development, executive reviews, customer presentations, and interview teams.
• Participate in project pursuit strategy meetings and help determine bid/no-bid recommendations.

Business & Operational Support

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Operations Managers, Engineers, Procurement, and Business Development personnel to develop winning project strategies.
• Provide executive leadership with detailed cost analyses, risk assessments, and pricing recommendations.
• Support project turnover meetings to ensure successful transition from preconstruction to operations.
• Assist in developing annual business plans, forecasting workload requirements, and staffing strategies for the estimating department.
• Maintain and improve estimating databases, assemblies, labor units, and historical cost information.

Team Leadership & Development

• Direct and mentor Mechanical Estimators I, II, III, and Senior Estimators.
• Conduct estimate reviews and provide technical guidance on projects and pursuits.
• Develop departmental training programs, estimating procedures, and career development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Assist leadership in recruiting, onboarding, and developing estimating talent.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all estimates comply with customer requirements, contract documents, company standards, and applicable codes.
• Lead estimate quality reviews and risk assessments prior to proposal submission.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across all estimating deliverables.
• Support internal audits and lessons-learned initiatives to improve estimating performance and project outcomes.
• Must successfully pass a background check.

• A competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Military Reserve pay offset
• Paid maternity leave

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience with a Master's degree.
• 7 + years of experience with a B.S. in Electrical, Civil, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management
• 10+ years of experience with a related associates degree.
• 12+ years of experience with a High School diploma or GED.
• Advanced knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, process systems, hydronic systems, and central utility plant infrastructure.
• Expert ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, BIM models, P&IDs, sequence of operations, control diagrams, and contract documents.
• Comprehensive understanding of mechanical construction methods, fabrication strategies, commissioning requirements, and project execution planning.
• Strong knowledge of conceptual estimating, detailed estimating, cost forecasting, labor modeling, and risk analysis.
• Experience leading estimates for large-scale commercial, industrial, data center, federal, healthcare, mission-critical, or infrastructure projects.
• In-depth understanding of Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, GMP, and Integrated Project Delivery methods.
• Advanced proficiency with estimating software such as DESTINI Estimator, FastPIPE, QuoteSoft, Trimble, Accubid Anywhere, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of BIM-enabled estimating and digital construction workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, facilitate executive reviews, and manage multiple major pursuits simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Five (5)+years of experience with a Master's degree.
• Seven (7)+ years of experience with a B.S. in Electrical, Civil, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management
• 10+ years of experience with a related associates degree.
• 12+ years of experience with a High School diploma or GED.

Key Competencies

Leadership

• Team Leadership and Development
• Strategic Planning
• Decision Making
• Executive Communication
• Change Management
• Talent Development

Technical Excellence

• Advanced Mechanical Estimating
• Conceptual Cost Modeling
• Design-Build Preconstruction
• Constructability Analysis
• Labor Productivity Analysis
• Risk Management

Business Acumen

• Business Development Support
• Proposal Strategy
• Contract Delivery Methods
• Financial Analysis
• Cost Forecasting
• Market Intelligence

Operational Excellence

• Process Development
• Quality Assurance
• Resource Planning
• Continuous Improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Organizational Leadership

Career Path

The Lead Mechanical Estimator is recognized as the senior technical authority for mechanical estimating and preconstruction efforts. This position provides leadership across the estimating organization and plays a critical role in project pursuit success, operational planning, and business growth.

Typical advancement opportunities include:

• Preconstruction Manager
• Director of Preconstruction

This role is expected to lead the mechanical estimating function, influence organizational strategy, mentor future leaders, and drive successful project pursuits across the enterprise.

Abilities:

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.