Mechanical Cost Manager

Consertus

. Develop mechanical cost estimates across conceptual/parametric, schematic design, design development, and construction document phases .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeOakbrook Terrace • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $120,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mechanical estimating, including detailed quantity take-offs and cost analysis for HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems. Proficient in coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and utilizing industry-standard estimating tools and methodologies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechanical EstimatingHVAC Systems KnowledgeDetailed Quantity Take-OffsEstimating Platforms ProficiencyCost Analysis and Optimization

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EstimatingQuantity Take-OffsCost AnalysisHVAC SystemsPlumbing SystemsFire Protection SystemsUnderground UtilitiesLabor Productivity FactorsCost DatabasesValue Engineering

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationProblem-SolvingAttention to DetailAutonomy

Tools & Technologies

Primavera P6Microsoft ProjectSage TimberlineMCASES MIIOSTMicrosoft Excel

Industry Keywords

Construction ManagementDesign-Bid-BuildCMARDesign-BuildCost EstimationProject DocumentationQA/QCMarket IntelligenceRegional Labor ConditionsEscalation Impacts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop mechanical cost estimates across conceptual/parametric, schematic design, design development, and construction document phases
Perform detailed quantity take-offs and system-level quantification for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and site and underground utilities
Analyze drawings, specifications, and design narratives to define mechanical scope and identify gaps or coordination issues
Develop unit pricing using historical cost data, industry databases, subcontractor/vendor input, market intelligence, and regional labor conditions
Coordinate with architectural, structural, civil, and electrical disciplines to align estimate inputs
Prepare and maintain estimate backup, assumptions, clarifications, and Basis of Estimate documentation
Participate in estimate reviews, reconciliation meetings, and design coordination discussions
Identify cost drivers, escalation impacts, procurement risks, and constructability considerations
Support value engineering and cost optimization through system comparisons, alternate analysis, and lifecycle considerations
Assist with subcontractor proposal evaluation, bid comparisons, and change order pricing
Maintain organized project documentation and traceability of quantities, pricing, and assumptions
Support QA/QC by validating quantities, pricing logic, and estimate completeness
Collaborate with project teams, design consultants, and clients
Travel periodically for project site visits, client meetings, and field validation
Report to senior cost management leadership while operating with a high degree of autonomy

Requirements

What you’ll need

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, including Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, and Design-Build
Ability to develop estimates with increasing independence and technical responsibility
Scheduling experience highly preferred
Knowledge of Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project highly preferred
Solid understanding of HVAC systems, including VAV, chilled water, hot water, DX systems, and air distribution
Understanding of plumbing systems, including domestic, sanitary, and stormwater
Understanding of fire protection systems
Understanding of underground and site utilities
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications
Ability to read architectural, structural, and civil documents for coordination
Proficiency in detailed quantity take-offs and application of labor and productivity factors
Working knowledge of estimating platforms such as Sage Timberline, MCASES MII, OST, or similar tools
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency
Working knowledge of cost databases and benchmarking systems
Understanding of labor impacts, productivity, escalation, and regional cost factors

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company-paid life and disability insurance
Optional pet insurance
Optional legal plans
Optional supplemental health plans
401(k) with day-one eligibility
100% match on the first 3% of eligible compensation
50% match on contributions between 3% and 5% of pay
10 paid holidays
PTO starting at 15 days, growing up to 25 days
Access to Consertus Academy for continuous learning and development
Flexible and inclusive work environment