Mechanical Estimator at Thorpe… · Location…

Mechanical Estimator

*Benefits Eligibility: This position is eligible for benefits beginning the first of the month following your hire date.

*Recruiting Agencies: Thorpe Specialty Services does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting agencies.

General Summary

The Mechanical Estimator plays a central role in the development and pricing of industrial and mechanical construction opportunities. This position is responsible for turning project requirements, drawings, specifications, and other available information into accurate, competitive, and well-supported project budgets and bids.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of mechanical construction and the ability to evaluate how a project will actually be built - not simply what is shown on the drawings. The Mechanical Estimator will work across departments to develop execution strategies, evaluate risk, establish project costs, and support the company’s pursuit of new work.

Assignments may include projects ranging from smaller mechanical scopes to complex industrial projects up to $25 million, depending on the project delivery method, scope, and level of self-performance.

Role and Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Development

• Take ownership of assigned estimates from initial document review through final bid submission.
• Analyze plans, specifications, scopes of work, contracts, and other project information to establish the overall requirements of the work.
• Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for mechanical, piping, equipment, and associated construction scopes.
• Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, and other project expenses.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure pricing accurately reflects the required scope.
• Develop estimate assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, allowances, and contingencies.
• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, and potential cost exposures before the bid is finalized.
• Develop and maintain organized estimate structures that allow project costs to be reviewed and understood throughout the bidding process.
• Manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Mechanical & Industrial Expertise

• Review and interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, mechanical plans, equipment layouts, specifications, and related engineering documentation.
• Apply practical knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, productivity, and field conditions when developing estimates.
• Evaluate the appropriate balance between self-performed work and subcontracted activities.
• Consider related scopes such as civil and concrete, structural steel, equipment setting, piping, and other industrial construction requirements.
• Review projects for constructability issues and identify potential impacts to cost, schedule, manpower, and execution.
• Incorporate Design-Build and Design-Assist requirements into estimating and project execution strategies when applicable.

Estimating Technology & Cost Management

• Develop and maintain estimates using InEight Estimate and other company-approved estimating tools.
• Maintain accurate databases, quantity information, labor rates, productivity assumptions, equipment costs, and historical pricing.
• Use Excel and other Microsoft Office applications to perform cost analysis, develop tracking tools, and present estimating information.
• Assist with preliminary manpower planning, project schedules, and resource requirements using Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or comparable scheduling software.
• Ensure estimating information is properly documented and can be clearly supported during management and client reviews.

Preconstruction & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Business Development to evaluate opportunities and develop preliminary project budgets.
• Participate in project pursuit meetings, site walks, client meetings, pre-bid conferences, and scope reviews.
• Coordinate with Operations, Project Management, Procurement, and other internal groups to develop practical project execution strategies.
• Participate in estimate review and bid strategy discussions as required.
• Prepare and track RFIs and coordinate responses to ensure outstanding questions are addressed before bid submission.
• Follow established estimating procedures, bid checklists, and review requirements.
• Share lessons learned, historical cost information, and field experience to continuously improve estimating practices.
• Provide support and guidance to less-experienced estimating personnel when needed.

Business Development Support

The Mechanical Estimator will also contribute to the company’s growth efforts by providing estimating expertise during the early stages of project development. Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing conceptual estimates and ROM budgets for potential clients and projects.
• Reviewing preliminary scopes and identifying major cost drivers.
• Providing input on project feasibility, execution strategies, schedule considerations, and potential risks.
• Supporting proposal development and client presentations.
• Assisting Business Development in determining appropriate pursuit strategies and pricing approaches.
• Building relationships with vendors, subcontractors, clients, and other industry partners.

Risk, Schedule & Commercial Review

• Identify project-specific risks and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures into the estimate.
• Evaluate labor availability, productivity, material lead times, subcontractor coverage, escalation, and other factors that could influence project cost.
• Develop preliminary cash flow projections and resource requirements when needed.
• Assist in evaluating project schedules and their potential impact on cost and execution.
• Review commercial terms and contract requirements for estimating impacts.
• Clearly document assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and areas of uncertainty.
• Provide management with a clear understanding of the opportunities, risks, and financial considerations associated with each pursuit.

Final Bid & Project Turnover

• Coordinate final estimate reviews prior to submission.
• Confirm that pricing and scope align with the bid documents and contractual requirements.
• Ensure proposal requirements, bid forms, qualifications, clarifications, and exclusions are complete and accurate.
• Verify that subcontractor and supplier coverage adequately represents the project scope.
• Ensure bids are submitted accurately and within established deadlines.
• Participate in the transition from estimating to project execution and provide Operations and Project Management with the information necessary for a successful project turnover.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in industrial, mechanical, or heavy construction estimating.
• Demonstrated experience developing estimates for complex mechanical or industrial projects.
• Previous experience functioning in a lead or estimating capacity.
• Strong ability to interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, piping isometrics, specifications, and engineering documents.
• Experience utilizing InEight Estimate or similar construction estimating software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or comparable scheduling software.
• Strong understanding of construction labor, productivity, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and construction means and methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple active pursuits and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with field and office personnel.

Additional Qualifications Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with self-performed mechanical construction.
• Background in industrial piping, equipment installation, structural steel, civil/concrete, or related construction disciplines.
• Experience with Design-Build and Design-Assist delivery models.
• Experience estimating projects with values of $50 million or greater.
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets and ROM estimates.
• Experience working in energy, mining, refining, manufacturing, chemical, or other heavy industrial markets.

Success in This Role Requires

• Strong technical understanding of mechanical construction
• Accurate and disciplined estimating practices
• Ability to understand the project beyond the drawings and specifications
• Strong attention to detail without losing sight of the overall project
• Sound judgment when evaluating risk and pricing strategy
• Ability to communicate effectively with both field and office teams
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to contribute to project strategy and bid decisions
• Commitment to producing complete, accurate, and defensible estimates
• A team-oriented approach to preconstruction and project delivery

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Thorpe will engage in an individualized, interactive process to evaluate accommodation requests, including those arising from a workplace injury or workers’ compensation claim.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation to complete takeoffs, pricing, and estimate documentation.
• Occasional bending, reaching, walking, and climbing stairs or ladders during site walks, field assessments, and client visits, including on active construction sites with uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform the job’s essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Return-to-Work and Modified Duty

Employees returning from a work-related or non-work-related injury or illness must provide requested medical documentation describing any functional limitations or restrictions. The Company will compare the documented restrictions with the essential functions above and, when feasible and consistent with business needs, consider temporary modified- or light-duty assignments. Modified duty is evaluated individually and is not guaranteed for any specific position or duration. Employees are expected to cooperate with the Company’s return-to-work process, including attending scheduled medical evaluations and providing timely updates on their fitness-for-duty status.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses/spoggles, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training, and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment at Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation is on an “at-will” basis. There is no contract of employment between Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation and anyone or all its employees unless explicitly stated elsewhere. Employment security cannot be guaranteed for or by any employee.

No Manager, Supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will.

Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation and its affiliates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.