Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first. Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates.

We only accept direct applications. HVAC Project Estimator At Kelso Building Services, we believe in empowering our team members with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. You'll be part of a company that values integrity, innovation, and customer satisfaction while providing opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Position Summary Kelso Building Services is seeking an experienced HVAC Project Estimator to join our growing team. This position is responsible for managing the estimating process from initial plan review through project handoff, ensuring accurate budgets, competitive bids, and successful project execution. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial and industrial HVAC, design-build estimating, and project cost analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare complete and accurate cost estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC projects.

Requirements

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC equipment, sheet metal, piping, controls, insulation, and associated systems. Develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing to create competitive project proposals. Lead the estimating process for negotiated, design-build, and plan-and-spec projects.

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, operations teams, and field personnel to develop project budgets and bid strategies. Solicit, evaluate, and compare vendor and subcontractor quotations. Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving solutions while maintaining project performance and quality standards.

Analyze project risks, scope gaps, and constructability concerns during preconstruction. Participate in client meetings, project walkthroughs, and pre-bid conferences as needed. Prepare bid summaries, proposal documents, and estimate reviews for management approval.

Support project turnover meetings and provide estimating documentation to operations teams upon project award. Maintain organized estimating records, historical cost databases, and project documentation. Required Experience Minimum of 5 years of HVAC estimating experience in commercial and industrial construction.

Experience estimating both plan-and-spec and design-build HVAC projects. Proven experience performing detailed mechanical takeoffs and project budgeting. Strong understanding of HVAC systems, including: Sheet Metal Systems Piping Systems Boilers Chillers Cooling Towers VRF Systems Rooftop Units (RTUs) Experience developing conceptual budgets, bid proposals, and value engineering recommendations.

Qualifications

Strong knowledge of commercial and industrial HVAC construction practices. Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, and contract documents. Proficiency with HVAC estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.

Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and project profitability.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of local mechanical codes and industry standards. Experience working closely with project management and operations teams throughout the project lifecycle. Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and project cost control principles.

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