Lead Estimator MEP : Costing

vConstruct’s Virtual Builder business unit leverages VDC, automation, and advanced estimating workflows to deliver value on complex construction projects globally. We are seeking an MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Low Voltage) Estimating Lead with experience working on projects across our core markets who combines strong technical expertise with leadership, client-facing, and people management skills.

This role will lead MEP Estimating delivery across projects, while also driving innovation, developing scalable processes, and deepening technical capabilities within the team.

Key Responsibilities [Short-term and Long-term]

Project Delivery

• Lead MEP estimating efforts from conceptual design through subcontracting, ensuring alignment with project goals and client expectations.
• Prepare detailed estimates, variance summaries, and value engineering studies to support informed decision-making.
• Review MEP design documents to produce reliable quantity takeoffs and enable effective post-contract cost management.
• Perform comprehensive cost evaluations and provide innovative solutions to challenges related to cost, lead times, and material specifications.
• Build and optimize financial management processes; develop cost management plans including control estimates and cash flow projections.
• Manage the bidding process including solicitation, communication, evaluation, and support bid management and change/variance analysis.
• Integrate schedules, models, and other data sources into the cost management process to enhance accuracy and forecasting.
• Create cost models and benchmarks for new pursuits using historical data or curated datasets.
• Ensure accurate, efficient, and constructible project delivery through proactive planning and coordination.
• Lead, manage, and motivate the estimating team to ensure alignment with project objectives and delivery standards.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure scope alignment beyond MEP and support integrated project outcomes.
• Support design evolution tracking through estimate comparisons and quantification.

Customer Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on MEP estimating matters.
• Build integration with new and existing clients through proactive engagement.
• Understand client requirements, clarify expectations, and ensure alignment on deliverables.
• Foster long-term client relationships through technical excellence and reliability.

People Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of estimators and engineers.
• Conduct performance reviews and support career development.
• Build and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Provide technical coaching on estimating standards, tools, and methodologies.

Internal Collaboration

• Collaborate with Team Leads and Cluster Leads for effective implementation of key strategies and contribute to strategic development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (CSA, Operations, Systems, Planning) to deliver integrated estimating solutions.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of MEP workflows, templates, and best practices.
• Partner with automation and innovation teams to build reusable content, libraries, and tools.

Strategy & Innovation

• Drive adoption of VDC-enabled MEP estimating and leverage automation/AI for improved accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead process development initiatives, documenting and scaling best practices across teams.
• Provide technical depth by guiding teams on complex MEP systems (e.g., redundancy in electrical systems for data centers, medical gas systems in healthcare, energy-efficient HVAC).
• Pilot and implement innovative workflows and digital tools to improve estimating outcomes.
• Support talent acquisition by interviewing and onboarding new MEP estimating professionals.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical engineering (specialization in Quantity Surveying preferred).
• 5–10 years of experience in MEP estimating with exposure to commercial, healthcare, data center, or life sciences projects.
• Strong proficiency in quantification/estimating tools (Revit, CostX, OST, Planswift, Assemble, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to design and improve processes in estimating workflows.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client engagement skills.
• Ability to balance technical depth with people leadership and customer relationship management.

More About vConstruct

Building Better, Smarter, Faster is in our DNA.

We are a team of 480+ enthusiastic construction engineering and technology experts passionate about increasing predictability and building better products by applying smarter processes while striving for faster delivery. We provide services and solutions to the construction industry in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Project Controls, Accounting, Software Development, Data Science, and Analytics.

On any given day, we make an impact on 100+ construction projects worldwide. We are a subsidiary of DPR Construction, a USA-based technical builder specializing in highly complex projects in Healthcare, Life Sciences, Advanced Technology, Higher Education, and Commercial sectors.

Core Values of vConstruct

• Integrity is Integral
• People are Pivotal
• Ever Forward Spirit