Senior Plumbing Estimator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Plumbing Estimator is a key member of the preconstruction team responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and detailed cost estimates for complex plumbing, Medical gas, process pipe, and mechanical systems on commercial, institutional, healthcare, and research/laboratory building projects. This role requires advanced technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to mentor junior estimators while collaborating closely with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Estimation & Takeoff

• Lead full plumbing takeoffs from architectural, mechanical, and plumbing drawings using Bluebeam, PlanSwift ,FAB Est or similar software

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for domestic water, sanitary waste, storm drainage, lab waste systems, medical gas, fire protection, and specialty systems (RO/DI, pH neutralization, vacuum)

• Develop unit pricing, labor productivity factors, and material databases specific to research/lab and healthcare projects

• Perform value engineering and alternative system analysis to optimize cost without compromising performance or code compliance

Project & Team Leadership

• Mentor and train junior and mid-level estimators on advanced techniques, software, and best practices

• Lead bid reviews, scope gap analysis, and risk assessments with project teams and senior leadership

• Manage multiple concurrent estimates with tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers for current pricing and lead times

Research & Laboratory Specialization (Preferred)

• Expert knowledge of laboratory waste systems, pH neutralization, backflow prevention, and high-purity water systems (RO/DI, USP)

• Familiarity with cGMP, GLP, and biosafety level (BSL) requirements impacting plumbing design and cost

• Experience estimating complex institutional projects (universities, pharma R&D, hospitals, vivarium’s)

Preconstruction & Business Development

• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and proposal development

• Provide conceptual budgeting and feasibility studies during early design phases

• Support post-bid buyout, change order pricing, and claim analysis as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Requirement Details

Education Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience Minimum 8–12 years of progressive plumbing estimating experience, with at least 4 years at Senior level on projects $5M–$100M+

Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, FAB EST, Excel (advanced), AutoCAD, Revit (review), and estimation databases

Codes & Standards Expert knowledge of IPC, UPC, NFPA, ASHRAE, and local plumbing/mechanical codes

Soft Skills Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and mentoring abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PE license, LEED AP, or ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers) certification

• Ma state plumbing license

• Experience with healthcare, laboratory, or life sciences projects (cGMP, BSL-2/3, vivarium)

• Proficiency in On-Screen Takeoff, CostX, FAB EST or Timberline/Sage Estimating

• Prior experience with design-build or CMAR delivery methods

• Strong network of reliable plumbing subcontractors and suppliers

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.