Chief Estimator
About the job
- An associate’s degree in a relevant field.
- Four or more years of industry knowledge of mechanical and plumbing.
- Four or more years of customer service experience.
- Proficient understanding of engineering and technology, including principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment.
- Knowledge of corporate objectives impacting estimating, estimating strategies and techniques, and construction contracts.
- Advanced understanding of mechanical estimating software, including the ability to maintain and troubleshoot it.
- Ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems.
- Understanding of cost components of an estimate.
- Knowledge of local and plumbing mechanical codes.
- Advanced understanding of construction project management.
- Basic understanding of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) guidelines.
- Conceptual estimating skills.
- Advanced knowledge of plumbing, piping, or sheet metal systems.
- Plan and implement delivery of new business initiatives and preconstruction services for a particular client, group of clients, geographical area, or project type.
- Plan and monitor overall strategic direction for projects and target, develop, and maintain customer and design team relationships.
- Develop conceptual estimates and submit proposals.
- Manage the financial aspects of proposals and contracts to protect company interests while maintaining good client relationships.
- Monitor construction activities and meet with clients to ensure project objectives are being met.
- Provide feedback to the company construction team and assist in developing corrective action plans to mitigate issues.
- Develop plans and actively manage customer accounts.
- Proactively track and manage project sales opportunities.
- Develop and implement project-specific sales strategies to maximize the company’s probability of success.
- Deliver preconstruction services professionally and respond to customer requests with urgency.
- Develop trusted-advisor relationships with the owner, general contractor, and design team.
- Actively track and manage project scope and budget trends.
- Identify estimate peaks and gaps, shore up the overall project estimate, and build budget contingency through pricing efforts in the value analysis/scope review process.
- Manage the transition between estimating and project management and establish an accurate baseline budget for job setup.
- Develop and implement preconstruction strategies that differentiate the company and increase growth and gross-margin opportunities.
- Expand preconstruction processes and best practices across company offices.
- Foster the desired company culture and emphasize a strong safety culture.
- Represent the company at marketing and networking events, project meetings, planning sessions, and design meetings.
- Assist with or lead company-sponsored marketing events.
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred, or equivalent years of experience.
About the company
Harris is a national mechanical contractor offering end-to-end building systems. It handles design and engineering, construction, controls, service, manufacturing, and conveyors for projects ranging from stadiums and power plants to hospitals and classrooms. Its work starts with designing and engineering the mechanical systems, then installing and integrating building controls, followed by ongoing service and maintenance. Harris differentiates itself through its national reach (21 locations across the U.S.), large workforce (over 3,000 employees), extensive experience (more than 70 years), and capability to manage projects end-to-end—from design and fabrication to installation and long-term service—across diverse sectors. The company’s goal is to deliver comprehensive, reliable mechanical systems across the country by combining local expertise with broad national capacity for projects of any size.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Las Vegas, Nevada
Founded
1948
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 1 and July 13, 2026 acquisitions accelerate Harris's Colorado revenue base.
- ESCO adds front-range energy management expertise and widens cross-sell into preventive maintenance.
- 2026 Top Workplaces awards help recruiting in a skilled-trades labor market.
What critics are saying
- Integration of D.R. Associates, CEI, CCI, and ESCO strains management through 2026.
- Colorado rollup increases exposure to acquired-margin dilution if local teams churn after close.
- Competition from regional controls specialists can compress pricing as Harris expands across the Mountain West.
What makes Harris unique
- June 2026 Colorado acquisitions give Harris local controls, HVAC, and building automation density.
- Harris combines mechanical construction, service, manufacturing, conveyors, and end-to-end building systems.
- More than 70 years of regional contracting relationships anchor Harris's expansion playbook.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
Company News
Harris expands into Colorado through multiple strategic acquisitions. June 2, 2026 Harris has expanded its national footprint into Colorado through the acquisition of three companies serving the region's mechanical systems, controls and building automation markets. The move establishes a strong operating base for Harris in Colorado and significantly broadens the company's presence across the Mountain West. The expansion began with the acquisition of Colorado-based temperature controls company D.R. Associates (DRA), effective May 4. Founded in Denver more than 20 years ago, DRA has built a strong reputation for delivering dependable temperature control solutions tailored to the needs of Colorado businesses. The company serves customers across industries including healthcare, manufacturing and commercial facilities. Effective June 1, Harris also acquired Climate Engineering (CEI) and Centennial Controls (CCI). CEI and CCI bring complementary expertise in mechanical systems, HVAC solutions and building automation throughout Colorado. Together, the companies have supported a wide range of commercial and industrial projects across the region, helping customers improve building performance, visibility and operational efficiency through advanced mechanical and controls solutions. Their strong technical capabilities, customer-focused approach and deep local relationships further strengthen Harris' ability to serve customers across Colorado. Together, the acquisitions bring decades of local expertise, long-standing customer relationships and specialized technical capabilities into the Harris organization. "Presence in Colorado is a huge strategic move for Harris," said Bob Swanger, executive vice president of Service + Building Automation at Harris. "Colorado is a constantly growing market with tremendous opportunity, and these organizations bring outstanding people, strong customer relationships and highly respected expertise that align closely with our culture and long-term vision." The acquisitions strengthen Harris' ability to support customers throughout the region with expanded mechanical construction, service, controls and building automation expertise while maintaining the local relationships and responsiveness each company is known for. Harris will work closely with each team to support a steady transition for employees, customers and partners. The teams will continue serving their local customers while gaining access to Harris' national resources, technical expertise and broader service capabilities.