Project Estimator - Commercial Refrigeration

Company BackgroundTogether We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and SafetyDHR is part of Kelso Industries, with 3,500+ employees across 29 operating companies, delivers top HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a high-performing team. Learn more about us at www.kelso-industries.comRecruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.Project Estimator – RefrigerationLocation: Atlanta, GA (Home Base)Travel: Up to 25% travel across the Southeast U.S. for site walks, customer meetings, and bid coordinationCompany: DHR Mechanical (a Kelso Industries Company)Supermarket Refrigeration | DX & CO2 | Estimating | Bid DevelopmentAbout DHR MechanicalDHR Mechanical is a trusted name in commercial refrigeration and HVAC solutions with almost 30 years operating across the Southeast United States (FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, AL) while partnering with regional and national clients in supermarkets, cold storage warehousing, retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Backed by Kelso Industries, we are building a team of hands-on leaders who can scale operations, develop field talent, and drive consistent execution across projects.We are adding an additional Project Estimator to support growth and accuracy for commercial refrigeration construction projects.Position OverviewYou'll generate accurate, complete, and competitive bids for commercial refrigeration construction projects. As the Estimator, you'll own the bid process from invitation through award, including takeoff, labor and material pricing, subcontractor and vendor solicitation, scope clarification, and proposal presentation.This is a high-impact role with direct influence on win rate, project margin, and DHR's growth across the Southeast.What You’ll DoReview bid invites, drawings, specs, and contract documentsPerform detailed takeoffs (piping, equipment, controls, etc.)Build accurate labor + material estimates using internal metricsSolicit and level subcontractor and vendor quotesCoordinate equipment pricing (racks, cases, EMS, condensing units)Prepare clear, detailed proposals with defined scope, inclusions, and exclusionsSubmit RFIs and manage addenda / scope clarificationsLead turnover meetings to ensure clean handoff to operationsTrack bid results and improve pricing strategy over timeWhat You’ll Be Working OnSupermarket refrigeration installationsDX and CO2 (R-744) systemsEMS and controls integrationMulti-location projects across the SoutheastRequiredWhat We’re Looking For5+ years in specialty trades roles such as: construction estimating, project coordination, or project managementStrong background in mechanical systems with a focus on commercial refrigeration (DX, CO2, multiplex racks)Ability to read and interpret refrigeration legends, mechanical drawings, specs, electrical schematics, and EMS diagramsExperience with takeoff / estimating tools (e.g. PlanSwift, Quickpen, QuoteSoft, FastEst, AutoCAD, Revit, etc.)Proven ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously under deadlinesStrong communication skills (written + verbal)PreferredBackground estimating for national supermarket programs (e.g. Publix, Kroger, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Aldi) or large cold storage / industrial refrigeration accountsPrior experience as a refrigeration foreman, journeyman, or service technician before transitioning into estimatingHands-on or estimating experience with trans critical CO2 (R-744) installations and DX-to-CO2 conversions.Experience pricing low voltage and EMS controls scope (Danfoss, CPC, Emerson E2, Honeywell).Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary + bonusVehicle allowance / travel supportCompany phone + Company laptopBenefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.)401(k) with company matchOpportunity to grow with a fast-scaling platform backed by Kelso IndustriesWho This Role Is For✔ Estimators who own their numbers and take pride in accuracy✔ Professionals comfortable balancing technical detail + communication✔ Individuals who think beyond one bid and want to improve the system✔ People who can operate in a fast-paced, multi-project environmentWhy Join Us?We’re committed to attracting talented individuals who seek a company with a strong foundation of success and an outstanding culture. We proactively provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and clear pathways for career advancement with autonomy and flexibility in an entrepreneurial environment.Learn more about us at www.kelso-industries.com