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Manufacturing, Rail Transportation Equipment, Industrial Equipment

Chief/Lead Estimator

Lorton, VAOnsiteFull TimeLead$150,000–$180,000 /yrPosted 8 days ago

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Required skills

  • mechanical contracting
  • HVAC
  • plumbing
  • piping
  • industrial/mechanical systems
  • estimating
  • preconstruction
  • bid strategies
  • negotiated
  • hard-bid

Nice to have

  • commercial construction
  • industrial construction
  • healthcare construction
  • manufacturing construction
  • mission critical construction
  • institutional mechanical construction

Role summary

Kelso Industries seeks a Chief/Lead Estimator for its mechanical contracting division (HVAC, plumbing, piping, industrial/mechanical systems). This strategic leadership role involves overseeing all estimating functions, developing competitive project estimates, leading the estimating team, driving preconstruction strategy, and collaborating with operations for profitable growth. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical estimating expertise, leadership skills, commercial awareness, and deep knowledge of mechanical contracting operations. Responsibilities include managing the estimating department, establishing standards, developing bid strategies, reviewing estimates, mentoring staff, overseeing various estimate types, analyzing costs and risks, leading value engineering, and collaborating with project management and field leadership. The role also supports business development and client relations.

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.

Chief/Lead Estimator

Position Summary

The Chief/Lead Estimator provides strategic leadership and oversight for all estimating functions within the mechanical contracting division, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, and industrial/mechanical systems projects. This role is responsible for developing accurate and competitive project estimates, leading the estimating team, driving preconstruction strategy, and partnering with operations leadership to support profitable growth.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating expertise with leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a deep understanding of construction operations in mechanical contracting environments.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead and manage the estimating department.
  • Establish estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices across the organization.
  • Develop bid strategies aligned with company growth goals, market conditions, and operational capacity.
  • Review and approve final estimates, proposals, budgets, and bid submissions.
  • Drive consistency, accuracy, and accountability throughout the estimating process.
  • Mentor and develop estimating team members through coaching, training, and performance management.

    • Preconstruction & Estimating

  • Oversee preparation of conceptual, budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems projects.
  • Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ensure complete and accurate scope coverage.
  • Analyze labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor proposals, and project risks.
  • Coordinate quantity takeoffs and detailed pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
  • Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to improve competitiveness and project execution.
  • Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, negotiations, and project award discussions.

    • Operational & Financial Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership to ensure estimates align with execution capabilities and historical performance.
  • Support project turnover meetings and ensure seamless handoff from estimating to operations.
  • Track estimate performance versus actual project costs and drive continuous improvement through post-project analysis.
  • Assist leadership with forecasting, backlog planning, market analysis, and strategic growth initiatives.
  • Build and maintain subcontractor, supplier, and vendor relationships to ensure competitive pricing and market intelligence.

    • Client & Business Development Support

  • Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, networking, and relationship management.
  • Assist in identifying target markets, project opportunities, and strategic pursuits.
  • Represent the company professionally with owners, general contractors, engineers, architects, and industry partners.

    • Qualifications

  • 10+ years of estimating experience in mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial construction.
  • 3+ years of leadership or management experience within an estimating or preconstruction team preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, construction methods, labor productivity, and project execution.
  • Experience with design-build, negotiated, conceptual, and hard-bid estimating.
  • Proven ability to lead large, complex commercial or industrial estimates.
  • Strong understanding of construction contracts, project risk, and cost control principles.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, takeoff platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

    • Preferred Experience

  • Experience in commercial, industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, mission critical, or institutional mechanical construction.
  • Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and preconstruction technologies.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • Field or project management background is a plus.
  • Base Salary Range: $150,000–$180,000
  • 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

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