Mechanical Estimator 2 - Tysons, VA

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises.  With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.  At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.  

The Mechanical Estimator 2 independently prepares detailed cost estimates, budgetary pricing, and proposal packages for mechanical construction projects. This role is responsible for analyzing plans and specifications, performing comprehensive quantity takeoffs, developing labor and material costs, evaluating subcontractor proposals, and supporting project pursuits from conceptual design through final bid submission. The Mechanical Estimator II serves as a key contributor to preconstruction activities and collaborates closely with engineering, operations, procurement, and project management teams to develop accurate and competitive estimates.

• Independently prepare complete cost estimates, bid proposals, budgets, and design-build proposals for mechanical construction projects.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, controls, and related mechanical systems from drawings, specifications, and BIM models.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to determine project scope, materials, labor, equipment, subcontractor requirements, and potential risks.
• Develop labor productivity assumptions, crew compositions, equipment requirements, and installation methodologies for estimate development.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction document estimates.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotations for completeness, compliance, and cost competitiveness.
• Develop detailed pricing for change orders, scope modifications, value engineering proposals, and alternative system evaluations.
• Conduct site visits, pre-bid walkthroughs, and constructability reviews to assess project conditions, access limitations, logistics requirements, and project risks.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, designers, and operations personnel during pursuit and planning activities.
• Assist in preparing bid summaries, estimate reviews, risk assessments, qualification letters, and executive management presentations.
• Maintain historical cost databases, productivity benchmarks, and current pricing information for mechanical equipment and materials.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, scope optimization, and cost reduction while maintaining project requirements.
• Support proposal development and presentation efforts during client interviews and project pursuits.
• Review estimates prepared by junior estimators and provide guidance on takeoff and pricing methodologies.
• Ensure all estimates comply with customer requirements, contract specifications, applicable codes, and company standards.
• Develop project-specific execution assumptions and coordinate estimate handoff to operations upon project award.
• Manage multiple estimating assignments while meeting proposal deadlines and business objectives.
• Generate accurate, organized, and high-quality work products with minimal supervision.
• 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

• Strong knowledge of mechanical construction systems, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, fuel systems, hydronic systems, and associated equipment.
• Ability to independently read, interpret, and analyze mechanical drawings, P&IDs, specifications, schedules, and construction documents.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment procurement, fabrication, installation methods, and commissioning requirements.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting contract documents, addenda, subcontract agreements, and project scope narratives.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, construction sequencing, constructability reviews, and project execution strategies.
• Knowledge of labor productivity factors, estimating methodologies, unit pricing, and cost forecasting techniques.
• Ability to identify project risks, schedule impacts, and cost drivers during the estimating process.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with estimating software such as Trimble, FastPIPE, QuoteSoft, DESTINI, Accubid Anywhere, or similar estimating platforms.
• Working knowledge of BIM, model-based takeoffs, and model coordination processes.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• 2+ years experience with a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, preferably Electrical Engineering
• 6+ years of experience with an Associate’s Degree
• 8+ years experience with a high school diploma or GED

Key Competencies

• Mechanical Cost Estimating
• Quantity Takeoff and Analysis
• HVAC and Plumbing Systems Knowledge
• Construction Document Interpretation
• Subcontractor and Vendor Management
• Cost Modeling and Budget Development
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Value Engineering
• Proposal Development
• Project Planning and Constructability Analysis
• Leadership and Mentorship
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Organization

Career Path

The Mechanical Estimator II is expected to work independently on most estimates while supporting the development of junior staff. This position serves as a progression toward Senior Mechanical Estimator, Lead Estimator, Preconstruction Manager, or Estimating Manager roles within the organization.

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.