Principal Mechanical Estimator

Why Black & Veatch

Join the Black & Veatch Construction team and build with pride. As a 100% employee‑owned company, every role matters — you own your work, your impact, and your future. We lead with care, and safety is non‑negotiable and embedded into every role, site and decision, ensuring our teams return home safe, every day.

From field engineering to project management to quality and startup, you’ll work with cutting‑edge technology, learn from seasoned experts, and grow through real‑world, hands‑on experience. With a strong backlog across power, water, grid, and industrial markets, you’ll have the stability to grow and the opportunity to shape what comes next.

Job Summary

The Principal Mechanical Estimator directs and oversees the preparation of lump sum, unit rate, and cost-plus estimates, from preliminary cost analysis through detailed definitive estimates, supporting proposals, project controls, and change order management.

Leads pre-construction activities and coordinates estimating efforts across project phases.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Responsibilities

• Delegates technical and administrative responsibilities to subordinates
• Retains primary accountability for compliance in each area
• Reviews the status of personnel assigned to them relative to technical, administrative and training requirements
• Other administrative, supervisory and technical duties as assigned
• Prepares cost estimates on proposals, projects and studies and ensure that the content of the estimate is complete, accurate and meets the requirements of the estimate or project plan
• Plans, coordinates, reviews, verifies and analyzes all aspects of estimates and estimate presentation
• Maintains the Company estimating database
• Provides technical advice and assistance to the Project Manager in the preparation of all levels of estimates ranging in scope and complexity from a simple factored or curve type analysis estimate to an extremely complex multi-billion dollar lump sum bid
• Appraises overall accuracy of estimates and recommends contingencies for estimates such as Lump Sum bids, Defined Estimates and Interim Control Estimates
• Ensures the orderly flow of project assignments through his area in keeping with schedules and within manpower budgets
• Assists Estimating leadership with an independent assessment of an estimate's accuracy (upon completion of the estimate and summarization of all detailed man-hours, material, construction and home office costs)
• Recommends detailed estimating procedures and techniques to be utilized in the development of the estimate
• Assists in planning and development of the necessary formal training programs to maintain and improve estimating techniques, procedures and capabilities for both new and experienced personnel
• Maintains familiarity with estimating and cost engineering developments and activities outside the company and assesses their significance, suggesting application to company business where warranted
• Identifies and assesses improvement opportunities which will add value
• Proactively supports, encourages and facilitates staff to engage in continuous improvement activities, while championing change management efforts

Pre-Construction Activities

• Perform Scope Review focusing on:
  
  • Project Objectives
  • Deliverables
  • Overall Project Requirements
• Perform Site Investigation analysis
• Coordinate the Pre-Construction/Estimating team(s) in developing preliminary Work Packages
• Work with Project Controls and the Project Execution Team to develop the Project P6 Schedule
• Participate in Coordination discussion concerning final project design
• Participate in all Constructability reviews
• During the Scope Review and the work Package development, identify and communicate any Value Engineering opportunities for consideration by the Project Execution team
• During the Development of Project Work Packages perform a risk assessment and participate in mitigation strategy discussions
• Participate in the Preliminary EHS planning sessions focusing on site specific considerations
• Participate in Site Logistic conversations and provide input as to what effect this may have on Construction
• Participate in the initial and subsequent, discussion surrounding the QAQC program and the effects on Construction it may have

Management Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience, including estimating experience
• Leadership experience with management interactions
• Thorough understanding of the construction estimating process

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS graduate in Construction Management or related field is preferred
• Field experience (5+ yrs)
• Project experience (5+ yrs)
• Cost control and scheduling exposure is a plus
• Change management, process optimization, and/or technology implementation initiatives experience preferred

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to manage complex estimates (e.g., in size, scope or organization, multinational joint ventures)
• Scheduling/planning skills
• Cost engineering skills
• Development of subordinates
• Mathematical skills
• Project design scopes
• Consulting skills
• Problem-solving
• Planning skills
• Analytical skills
• Consensus team builder
• Function in an international joint environment
• Interpret and understand specifications and contracts
• Microsoft Office 365
• Microsoft CoPilot 365
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Interpersonal communication skills

Certifications

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Typical office environment. Travel as required.

Competencies

Salary Plan

Job Grade