Junior Mechanical Estimator
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: Office-Based
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Compensation: $18.00–$20.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)
Probationary Period: 3 Months
Start Date: ASAP
We are seeking a Junior Mechanical Estimator to join our growing estimating team. This is an office-based role focused primarily on estimating institutional and ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional) mechanical construction projects, typically ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000+ in tender value.
The successful candidate will assist with preparing competitive mechanical tenders involving plumbing, hydronic/heating systems, and mechanical equipment.
We welcome candidates across a broad experience spectrum—from recent graduates with no direct estimating background to individuals with up to five years of relevant industry experience. For entry-level candidates, prior estimating experience is not required. We place high value on technical aptitude, numerical proficiency, attention to detail, initiative, and trainability, and will provide comprehensive, hands-on training in our estimating procedures, software, and bidding strategies.
The Junior Mechanical Estimator will perform—or be trained to perform—the following duties:
Tender Analysis: Read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, schedules, tender documents, and addenda.
Takeoffs: Perform detailed material and labor quantity takeoffs for plumbing, hydronic/heating, and mechanical systems.
Scope & Procurement: Identify required materials, equipment, and subcontracted work. Prepare, issue, and follow up on Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to suppliers and subcontractors.
Quote Review: Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotes to ensure scope accuracy, pricing competitiveness, exclusions, and tender compliance.
Costing & Documentation: Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracts. Prepare and maintain organized tender spreadsheets and estimating documentation.
Addenda & Revisions: Review tender addenda and incorporate all relevant updates into active estimates.
Operational Coordination: Coordinate tender requirements and site walkthroughs with the Operations Manager.
Bid Submission & Support: Assist the Senior Estimator in compiling complete bid submissions and provide post-award estimating support to Project Managers.
Change Orders: Complete material and labor takeoffs and pricing for change orders on active projects.
Ownership: Take full accountability for assigned estimating tasks, ensuring accuracy and adherence to strict tender deadlines.
We welcome applicants from entry-level backgrounds as well as those with prior construction experience.
Preferred Educational Backgrounds:
Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or Building Systems
Mathematics, Business, or related quantitative programs
Skilled trades or mechanical construction education combined with post-secondary studies
Experience Assets:
Entry-level candidates / New graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Previous experience with a mechanical contractor is heavily preferred, but not mandatory for a highly trainable candidate.
Experience reading plumbing, HVAC, hydronic, or other mechanical construction drawings is a strong asset.
Field experience in mechanical construction is considered highly valuable.
Technical Knowledge (Asset for experienced candidates; entry-level will be trained):
Familiarity with plumbing, hydronic, heating, HVAC, and mechanical piping systems.
Basic understanding of valves, fittings, piping specialties, mechanical equipment, and ductwork.
General knowledge of construction terminology, mechanical schedules, specifications, and bidding procedures.
Software Proficiency:
Required: Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft 365.
Provided Training: On-the-job training will be provided for Trimble estimating software and proprietary company estimating systems.
Strong general computer literacy and the ability to learn new software quickly are essential.
Aptitude & Detail: Strong numerical skills, analytical thinking, and high attention to detail.
Trainability: Eagerness to learn new construction concepts, takeoff methods, and software rapidly.
Work Ethic & Ownership: Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable seeking out information rather than waiting for direction.
Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to interact directly with suppliers and subcontractors.
Deadline-Driven: Able to deliver precise, accurate work under tight tender submission schedules.
Industry Focus: A genuine, long-term interest in building a career within the mechanical construction industry.
Workplace: This is a 100% office-based position. Regular site work is not required; any necessary tender walkthroughs are coordinated alongside the Operations Manager.
First-Year Goals (6–12 Months): Through hands-on mentorship, the candidate will develop the ability to independently perform full material/labor takeoffs from mechanical drawings, scope out sub-trades/suppliers, issue RFQs, organize vendor pricing, and assemble a comprehensive mechanical estimate.
This position offers a clear long-term growth trajectory. As you master estimating fundamentals, commercial processes, and mechanical systems, your career path can progress as follows:
Junior Mechanical Estimator $\rightarrow$ Estimator / Project Coordinator $\rightarrow$ Senior Estimator / Project Manager
