Senior Estimator

Job Summary

The Senior Estimator supports the preconstruction and estimating team by preparing project cost estimates and proposals. The Senior Estimator prepares both direct cost and conceptual mechanical estimates and may serve in customer facing role for specific project pursuits. This role applies deep technical knowledge and cost analysis skills to ensure pricing accuracy and risk awareness. The Senior Estimator may mentor estimators and support Preconstruction Managers and may or may not have formal direct reports.

Essential Duties

• Independently evaluate drawings/specs for scope, completeness, constructability issues, and estimating risks.
• Lead development of detailed estimates, including take-offs, subcontractor comparisons, and internal productivity assumptions.
• Prepare spec summaries, pricing breakdowns, and VE options for major bid packages.
• Lead estimate review and scope alignment meetings; identify gaps, overlaps, and risk items.
• Develop cost strategies, pricing narratives, and supporting content for proposals.
• Participate in design-review and value-engineering sessions with design teams and clients.
• Present scopes and clarifications during customer-facing reviews.
• Maintain up-to-date market knowledge (labor, material, equipment trends).
• Mentor Estimators, provide QA/QC on their work, and support their technical development.
• Support transition of awarded projects to operations teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in mechanical estimating or construction management accepted.
• 5-10+ years of experience in mechanical estimating, preferably across multiple market sectors.
• Advanced technical understanding of mechanical systems and construction methods for HVAC, plumbing, and process work.
• Ability to interpret and analyze detailed design documents, specifications, and addenda for cost and scope impacts.
• Proficiency in preparing accurate conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates with minimal supervision.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor and vendor markets with ability to solicit and analyze bids effectively.
• Ability to lead portions of the bid process, ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables.
• Sound judgment in evaluating project risks, contract terms, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance accuracy, competitiveness, and strategic pricing.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain cost assumptions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach with ability to mentor preconstruction team members.
• Operates with urgency, focus, and adaptability under changing deadlines.
• High proficiency with estimating software Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam.

Grow Your Career with TDIndustries

Founded in 1946, TDIndustries is a premier, employee-owned Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) company delivering full-lifecycle building solutions—from design and construction to service and facilities maintenance. We power critical environments like hospitals, schools, data centers, stadiums, and commercial buildings across Texas and the Southwest.

Our Partners (employees) are the core of our success. As an employee-owned company, you have a voice, a stake, and a clear path to grow. Recognized by FORTUNE Magazine as a "100 Best Company to Work For," we invest in top training, career development, and a culture built on trust and servant leadership.

Join a growing team where your skills matter, and your future is built to last.

At TDIndustries, we believe opportunity should be built — and shared — by all. Whether you work with tools or technology, in the field or the office, we hire and grow people based on skill, potential, and integrity — never labels. We value the diverse paths that bring people to our team and welcome Partners of all backgrounds, including differences in race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, military service, and more. What matters most is how we work together to build excellence.