The Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for commercial and/or industrial HVAC projects, including plan & spec, design-build, and retrofit/replacement work. Works closely with project managers, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, and clients to develop detailed proposals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements
Perform detailed quantity take-offs for HVAC systems including ductwork, piping, equipment, insulation, and controls
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotations
Develop accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontract cost estimates
Prepare bid summaries, clarifications, exclusions, and proposal documents
Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits as required
Identify value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness
Maintain historical cost data and estimating databases
Ensure estimates meet company margin and risk management guidelines
Assist with project turnover meetings to operations team upon award
Analyze engineer-issued construction documents and technical specifications
Interpret mechanical schedules, control diagrams, and phasing requirements
Perform detailed scope comparison between drawings and specifications
Identify scope gaps, conflicts, and RFIs prior to bid submission
Level subcontractor proposals to ensure complete scope coverage
Prepare comprehensive bid packages for general contractors
Work within strict bid deadlines and competitive hard-bid environments
Develop conceptual budgets from limited drawings or narratives
Assist in HVAC system selection and equipment sizing coordination
Provide budget pricing at various design milestones (concept, 30%, 60%, 90%)
Offer value engineering and system optimization recommendations
Evaluate alternative system types (e.g., VAV, VRF, chilled water, rooftop units, etc.)
Retrofit & Replacement Estimating:
3–7+ years of HVAC estimating or related mechanical construction experience
Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems and components
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications
Strong knowledge of labor productivity factors and local market pricing
Excellent analytical and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications:
Field experience in HVAC installation or project management
Knowledge of local building codes and industry standards
Experience with conceptual budgeting and value engineering
Attention to detail
Time management and deadline-driven performance
Cost analysis and financial acumen
Communication and negotiation skills
Problem-solving mindset
Ability to work independently and within a team
This position requires the employee to work both inside and outside occasionally. The employee may be subject to loud noises and hot and cold temperatures when in the field. May occasionally walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. Will climb ladders and stairs occassionally.
Positions Type and Expected hours of Work:
Workday is based on 8-hour day between the hours of 7am and 5pm, (to be determined with manager).
Travel: Travel is required throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Lifting under and over 75 lbs.
Stooping, walking, Standing, bending, reaching, pulling and pushing
Outside work
Driving
Climbing stairs
Climbing Ladders
Clarity of vision at both over 20 feet and under 20 inches
Able to judge depth, have a good field of vision, and identify and distinguish colors
Answer phone
Precision Type work
Dusty Environment
Navigate uneven terrain
Reading, typing and computer input
Competitive wages
Prevailing wage opportunities
Health Care - United HealthCare, Delta Dental and Vision Service Plan
Paid holidays, Vacation, Paid Time off (PTO) Personal and sick time and holidays
Employer-paid Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP
Employer-paid Life and AD&D insurance; access to short and long-term disability insurance.
Tuition reimbursement and more!
The RISE Group is an employee-owned, professional engineering firm that provides a complete range of consulting, design, and energy services to customers throughout the United States and internationally. Our multi-disciplined engineering and technical staff specialize in failure analysis, engineering design, process optimization, and condition assessment. Our work demonstrates how creative collaboration can produce outstanding results for our clients and our communities.
At RISE, our customers come from all walks of life - and so do our employees! We hire amazing people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. We can confidently state that we are successful as a direct result of our diversity. From day one and throughout your career with us, you’ll find a workplace culture with expansive personal & professional development opportunities, cutting edge technology, a place where relationships are valued, and work/life balance is always a priority. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our workplace and in our communities. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.
The RISE Group is an E-Verify participant and will conduct background investigations and pre-employment screening of candidates for employment Pre-employment activities will be conducted on qualified applicants after acceptance of a job offer.
The RISE Group is an employee-owned company and an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
