MEP Project Estimator

What you will doPrepare detailed MEP estimates for data center projects across all phases - conceptual budgets, design development estimates, bid packages, and final GMP submissionsAnalyze drawings, specifications, and addenda in depth - understanding not just quantities but system intent, redundancy requirements, and sequencing constraints that affect costPrice data center MEP systems with genuine technical understanding - cooling plant (air-side economization, water-side cooling, DX), UPS and battery systems, generator infrastructure, switchgear, power distribution, and plumbingSolicit, evaluate, and level pricing from MEP subcontractors and equipment suppliers - ensuring submissions are complete, competitive, and scoped correctly against the contract documentsDevelop value engineering alternatives that maintain critical system redundancy and uptime performance while identifying genuine cost reduction opportunitiesTrack market conditions, material pricing, and labor rates across active data center markets - keeping estimates current in a sector where equipment lead times and trade labor costs shift quicklyPrepare risk analyses identifying MEP-specific project challenges - long lead equipment, supply chain constraints, commissioning sequencing, and scope gaps between design packagesPresent estimates clearly in client and team meetings - explaining cost drivers, basis of estimate, and key assumptions to ownership, design teams, and project managementSupport bid submissions and subcontractor negotiations - working through scope clarifications, exclusions, and final pricing alignment ahead of awardMaintain and improve the MEP estimating database - building a reliable library of current unit costs, equipment pricing, and historical benchmarks across data center project typesWhat you need3+ years of estimating experience with a focus on MEP systems - data center or mission-critical exposure.Solid working knowledge of MEP systems, construction methods, and applicable codes - particularly as they apply to critical facilities with N+1 or 2N redundancy requirementsAbility to read and interrogate a full set of MEP construction documents and specifications - identifying scope gaps, coordination issues, and pricing risk before a bid goes outProficiency in current estimating platforms - InEight Estimate, ProEst, Bluebeam for digital takeoffs, or equivalent. Competent in Excel for cost modeling and bid assemblyExperience soliciting and leveling subcontractor and vendor pricing - understanding what complete looks like and where gaps are typically hiddenStrong analytical skills and attention to detail - MEP estimates on data center projects are high-stakes and errors have downstream consequencesClear written and verbal communication - you will be presenting numbers and explaining cost decisions to clients, designers, and senior leadershipDegree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction management, or a related field - or equivalent experienceNice to haveDirect experience estimating hyperscale or colocation data center MEP scopes - cooling plant, generator yard, HV switchgear, UPS rooms, and power distribution to the rackFamiliarity with long lead equipment dynamics - transformer and switchgear procurement timelines and how supply constraints affect bid strategy and contingencyExperience on design-build or EPC programs during preconstruction phasesExposure to BIM coordination processes and how model-based workflows affect MEP quantity takeoffs and clash resolution costsExperience pricing modular or prefabricated MEP solutions alongside traditional stick-build scope