Mechanical Cost Manager

About Us:

Consertus is a global capital program management and advisory firm that combines deep human expertise with advanced digital tools to deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable outcomes. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and supported by a team of more than 1,000 professionals worldwide, we help clients plan, execute, and optimize large-scale capital programs.

Our integrated services span digital, advisory, and delivery, empowering organizations to navigate complexity, manage risk, and achieve strategic goals in sectors including aviation, transportation, transit, water, healthcare, energy, education, government, commercial, life sciences, and technology.

At Consertus, we celebrate individual strengths, foster strong relationships, and promote flexibility in how and where we work. Join us to grow your career, develop your skills, and make a lasting impact as we transform how the world is built.

Discover how Consertus is driving transformative change for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve at www.consertus.com  

About this Role:

The Mechanical Cost Estimator is responsible for the development and delivery of conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and site utilities. This role independently performs quantity take-offs, develops pricing, and applies market intelligence, historical benchmarking data, and company standards to produce accurate and defensible cost deliverables.

The Mechanical Cost Estimator works collaboratively with project teams, design consultants, and clients to evaluate system scope, construction methodologies, and cost drivers. This position requires a strong understanding of mechanical systems, estimating principles, and construction practices, with the ability to contribute to cost planning, risk identification, and value engineering efforts across multiple projects.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic travel for project site visits, client meetings, and field validation. This position reports to senior cost management leadership and operates with a high degree of autonomy while supporting overall project delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop mechanical cost estimates across all design phases:
  • Conceptual / Parametric
  • Schematic Design
  • Design Development
  • Construction Documents
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and system-level quantification for:
  • HVAC systems (airside, hydronic, equipment-based systems)
  • Plumbing systems (domestic water, sanitary, storm)
  • Fire protection systems
  • Site and underground utilities
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and design narratives to define complete mechanical scope and identify gaps or coordination issues
• Develop unit pricing utilizing:
  • Historical cost data
  • Industry databases (e.g., RS Means, MCASES MII)
  • Subcontractor/vendor input
  • Market intelligence and regional labor conditions
• Coordinate with internal disciplines (architectural, structural, civil, electrical) to ensure alignment and completeness of estimate inputs
• Prepare and maintain detailed estimate backup, assumptions, clarifications, and Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation
• Participate in estimate reviews, reconciliation meetings, and design coordination discussions with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Identify cost drivers, escalation impacts, procurement risks, and constructability considerations affecting mechanical systems
• Support value engineering and cost optimization efforts through system comparisons, alternate analysis, and lifecycle considerations
• Assist in evaluating subcontractor proposals, bid comparisons, and change order pricing related to mechanical scope
• Maintain organized project documentation and ensure traceability of quantities, pricing, and assumptions
• Support QA/QC processes by validating quantities, pricing logic, and estimate completeness prior to submission

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Approximately 5–8 years of experience in mechanical estimating or related construction cost roles
• Experience supporting a variety of project types and delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, Design-Build)
• Demonstrated ability to develop estimates with increasing independence and technical responsibility
• Scheduling experience highly preferred with knowledge of Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems including:
  • HVAC systems (VAV, chilled water, hot water, DX systems, air distribution)
  • Plumbing systems (domestic, sanitary, stormwater)
  • Fire protection systems
  • Underground and site utilities
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Mechanical drawings and specifications
  • Architectural, structural, and civil documents for coordination
• Proficiency in performing detailed quantity take-offs and applying appropriate labor and productivity factors
• Working knowledge of:
  • Estimating platforms (e.g., Sage Timberline, MCASES MII, OST, similar tools)
  • Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced)
  • Cost databases and benchmarking systems
• Understanding of labor impacts, including productivity, escalation, and regional cost factors

Compensation Range:

$120,000-$140,000 annually

What’s In It For You:

• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional benefits like pet insurance, legal, and supplemental health plans
• 401(k) with day-one eligibility. You’ll get a 100% match on the first 3% of your eligible compensation and 50% match on contributions between 3% and 5% of your pay.
• Generous time off: 10 paid holidays and PTO starting at 15 days, growing up to 25
• Access to Consertus Academy for continuous learning and development

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Consertus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.