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HVAC Industry Jobs

Commercial HVAC Estimator

Kelso Industries

Location
Onsite (Lorton, Virginia)
Compensation
$95k - $130k/yr
Employment
Full-time
Level
Senior Level
Posted 3 days ago

About the role

Kelso Industries is a national leader in HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical solutions with over 5,000 employees. This role supports the preconstruction process by developing accurate estimates for commercial and industrial projects ranging from $250,000 to $20 million.

Skills

Commercial HVAC Estimating Mechanical Construction Quantity Takeoffs Labor and Cost Estimation Construction Drawing Interpretation HVAC Systems Piping Ductwork HVAC Controls Procurement Planning Project Scheduling Constructability Review Vendor and Subcontractor Management Bid Management Value Engineering Negotiation

Benefits

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off

Full job details

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ 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.

Commercial HVAC Estimator
 
Position Summary
The HVAC Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC construction projects. Working closely with Estimating Leadership, Operations, Project Management, and Business Development, this role supports the entire preconstruction process by evaluating project scope, pricing strategies, constructability, scheduling, procurement risks, and execution plans to position the company to win profitable work.
Projects typically range from $250,000 to $20 million and include commercial, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, institutional, multifamily, and mission-critical facilities delivered through hard bid, negotiated, design-build, GMP, and other collaborative delivery methods.
The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial HVAC estimating experience, sound mechanical construction knowledge, and the ability to identify project risks, develop competitive pricing strategies, and collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
  • Prepare complete estimates for commercial and industrial HVAC projects, including new construction, renovations, replacements, and design-build work.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
  • Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage.
  • Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, GMP, and hard-bid estimates.
  • Partner with Operations and Project Management to review labor strategies, project schedules, constructability, and execution plans.
  • Evaluate long-lead equipment, procurement strategies, and supply chain risks that may impact cost or schedule.
  • Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
  • Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and scope reviews.
Vendor & Bid Management
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
  • Develop clear bid packages and scopes of work to ensure complete and comparable pricing.
  • Review proposals for scope compliance and identify cost-saving alternatives.
  • Participate in bid reviews, pricing strategy discussions, and post-bid negotiations.
  • Prepare proposals, qualifications, exclusions, and estimate documentation.
Project Support
  • Participate in project turnover meetings and communicate estimating assumptions, risks, vendor coverage, and procurement considerations.
  • Assist with equipment buyout, subcontractor selection, and change order pricing as needed.
  • Compare estimated versus actual costs and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience.
  • Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, piping, ductwork, controls, and mechanical construction.
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
  • Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and labor, material, and equipment estimates.
  • Understanding of labor productivity, project scheduling, procurement, and construction cost structures.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent field experience considered.
  • Field experience in HVAC installation, piping, sheet metal, refrigeration, or mechanical construction.
  • Experience with design-build, negotiated, GMP, conceptual budgeting, and hard-bid delivery methods.
  • Experience estimating commercial projects valued between $250,000 and $20 million.
  • Proficiency with estimating software such as QuoteSoft, Trimble AutoBid, FastPIPE/FastDUCT, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, or similar platforms.
  • Familiarity with BIM/VDC, prefabrication, and value engineering is a plus.

 

Compensation & Benefits 

  • Base Salary Range: $95,000-$130,000
  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO 

Pay Transparency Statement
The compensation range provided represents the Company’s good-faith estimate of the base salary for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, and other business considerations.

 Why Join Kelso Industries? 

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.  

Here you will experience:  

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.  

Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable. 

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day. 

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being. 

 

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business