Senior Estimator - Mission Critical Data Centers

Role: Senior Estimator

Reporting line: Head of Preconstruction

Location: US-based. Fully remote, with proximity to a major airport

An established national design–build engineering organization is seeking a Senior Estimator to join its preconstruction function. The company delivers technically complex, high-reliability facilities, with a strong emphasis on data centers and other mission‑critical infrastructure. Projects range from new builds to upgrades of live operational sites, and the business is known for tightly managed risk, reliable delivery, and strong client relationships.

The Senior Estimator will be a core member of the team, responsible for leading the full estimating lifecycle on large, sophisticated projects. This position is best suited to someone with deep experience in mission‑critical environments and a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and related systems.

• Significant scope to build long‑term relationships with clients, design partners, and trade contractors
• A culture that backs up commitments made to clients and colleagues
• A clear link between your leadership impact and your financial rewards

• Produce consistent, accurate conceptual and detailed estimates that closely align with final construction costs
• Develop realistic budgets for major MEP and mission‑critical systems (e.g., power, cooling, controls)
• Reduce commercial risk by closing scope gaps, clarifying assumptions, and reviewing subcontractor proposals in detail
• Maintain and grow a strong national network of specialist subcontractors and suppliers in the data center and mission‑critical space
• Support the Head of Preconstruction with timely, structured cost information to accelerate budgeting, value engineering, and negotiations
• Help deliver a high‑quality experience for clients throughout preconstruction
• Contribute to building the company’s reputation in its target markets

• Prepare clear, well‑structured estimates at all design stages (from early concept through construction documents) for new data center builds, expansions, and critical fit‑outs
• Perform detailed quantity take‑offs and pricing for mission‑critical MEP systems, including UPS systems, generators, switch gear, cooling equipment, fire protection, and building management systems
• Define and price general conditions, general requirements, and other indirect or soft costs

• Recommend cost‑saving and value‑enhancing options while protecting performance, redundancy, and reliability
• Analyze risk and uncertainty in estimates, including escalation, market conditions, and key technical assumptions
• Lead internal estimate review sessions and support presentations to senior leadership and clients

• Issue requests for pricing, collect and organize proposals, and evaluate bids for completeness, competitiveness, and scope coverage
• Develop strong working relationships with specialist trade partners in relevant geographies and sectors
• Draft clear scope narratives and bid instructions to ensure alignment across bidders

• Create concise summaries, breakdowns, and cost reports suitable for both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Present budgets and estimates externally and support the Head of Preconstruction in negotiations and client meetings
• Provide robust front‑end financial inputs to support business development and project pursuit efforts
• Contribute to tools, templates, and processes that improve estimating accuracy and efficiency
• Support the commercial handover from preconstruction to project delivery, helping ensure continuity of financial objectives and assumptions

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in construction estimating, with substantial time spent on data centers or other mission‑critical facilities in a design–build or EPC environment
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a closely related field preferred
• Advanced proficiency with modern estimating and quantity take‑off tools (e.g., Bluebeam, On‑Screen Takeoff, Assemble, or similar)
• Familiarity with…