Junior Mechanical Estimator

Junior Mechanical Estimator

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Environment: Office-Based

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM

Compensation: $18.00–$20.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Probationary Period: 3 Months

Start Date: ASAP

Position Overview

We are seeking a Junior Mechanical Estimator to join our growing estimating team. This is an office-based role focused primarily on estimating institutional and ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional) mechanical construction projects, typically ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000+ in tender value.

The successful candidate will assist with preparing competitive mechanical tenders involving plumbing, hydronic/heating systems, and mechanical equipment.

We welcome candidates across a broad experience spectrum—from recent graduates with no direct estimating background to individuals with up to five years of relevant industry experience. For entry-level candidates, prior estimating experience is not required. We place high value on technical aptitude, numerical proficiency, attention to detail, initiative, and trainability, and will provide comprehensive, hands-on training in our estimating procedures, software, and bidding strategies.

Key Responsibilities

The Junior Mechanical Estimator will perform—or be trained to perform—the following duties:

• Tender Analysis: Read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, schedules, tender documents, and addenda.
  

• Takeoffs: Perform detailed material and labor quantity takeoffs for plumbing, hydronic/heating, and mechanical systems.
  

• Scope & Procurement: Identify required materials, equipment, and subcontracted work. Prepare, issue, and follow up on Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to suppliers and subcontractors.
  

• Quote Review: Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotes to ensure scope accuracy, pricing competitiveness, exclusions, and tender compliance.
  

• Costing & Documentation: Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracts. Prepare and maintain organized tender spreadsheets and estimating documentation.
  

• Addenda & Revisions: Review tender addenda and incorporate all relevant updates into active estimates.
  

• Operational Coordination: Coordinate tender requirements and site walkthroughs with the Operations Manager.
  

• Bid Submission & Support: Assist the Senior Estimator in compiling complete bid submissions and provide post-award estimating support to Project Managers.
  

• Change Orders: Complete material and labor takeoffs and pricing for change orders on active projects.
  

• Ownership: Take full accountability for assigned estimating tasks, ensuring accuracy and adherence to strict tender deadlines.
  

Education & Experience

We welcome applicants from entry-level backgrounds as well as those with prior construction experience.

Preferred Educational Backgrounds:

• Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  

• Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or Building Systems
  

• Mathematics, Business, or related quantitative programs
  

• Skilled trades or mechanical construction education combined with post-secondary studies
  

Experience Assets:

• Entry-level candidates / New graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  

• Previous experience with a mechanical contractor is heavily preferred, but not mandatory for a highly trainable candidate.
  

• Experience reading plumbing, HVAC, hydronic, or other mechanical construction drawings is a strong asset.
  

• Field experience in mechanical construction is considered highly valuable.
  

Technical & Software Skills

Technical Knowledge (Asset for experienced candidates; entry-level will be trained):

• Familiarity with plumbing, hydronic, heating, HVAC, and mechanical piping systems.
  

• Basic understanding of valves, fittings, piping specialties, mechanical equipment, and ductwork.
  

• General knowledge of construction terminology, mechanical schedules, specifications, and bidding procedures.
  

Software Proficiency:

• Required: Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft 365.
  

• Provided Training: On-the-job training will be provided for Trimble estimating software and proprietary company estimating systems.
  

• Strong general computer literacy and the ability to learn new software quickly are essential.
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Aptitude & Detail: Strong numerical skills, analytical thinking, and high attention to detail.
  

• Trainability: Eagerness to learn new construction concepts, takeoff methods, and software rapidly.
  

• Work Ethic & Ownership: Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable seeking out information rather than waiting for direction.
  

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to interact directly with suppliers and subcontractors.
  

• Deadline-Driven: Able to deliver precise, accurate work under tight tender submission schedules.
  

• Industry Focus: A genuine, long-term interest in building a career within the mechanical construction industry.
  

Work Environment & First-Year Expectations

• Workplace: This is a 100% office-based position. Regular site work is not required; any necessary tender walkthroughs are coordinated alongside the Operations Manager.
  

• First-Year Goals (6–12 Months): Through hands-on mentorship, the candidate will develop the ability to independently perform full material/labor takeoffs from mechanical drawings, scope out sub-trades/suppliers, issue RFQs, organize vendor pricing, and assemble a comprehensive mechanical estimate.
  

Career Path & Growth

This position offers a clear long-term growth trajectory. As you master estimating fundamentals, commercial processes, and mechanical systems, your career path can progress as follows:

Junior Mechanical Estimator $\rightarrow$ Estimator / Project Coordinator $\rightarrow$ Senior Estimator / Project Manager