Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

PURPOSE

The Mechanical-Industrial Estimator supports Project Managers and Preconstruction teams in the pursuit of Design-Build, Negotiated, and traditional Design-Bid-Build projects. This role directly impacts company profitability, backlog quality, and risk mitigation by ensuring accurate pricing, complete scope capture, and strategic positioning during preconstruction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Participates in go/no-go discussions.
• Prepare complete mechanical project estimates including HVAC, piping, plumbing, process piping, and related systems as applicable.
• Perform detailed drawing take-offs using estimating software.
• Review job specifications and incorporate all requirements into take-off calculations.
• Identifies scope gaps, ambiguities, and design risks.
• Develops clarifications and exclusions.
• Develop and prepare take-off reports and distribute estimating summaries to Project Managers.
• Solicit, evaluate, and incorporate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Project Managers, Engineers, BIM/VDC, Sheet Metal, Controls, etc.) to ensure scope completeness.
• Assist in developing conceptual estimates and budgets at various design stages (pre-schematic through construction documents).
• Support design-build efforts by collaborating with engineering and operations teams to define scopes of work.
• Support bid leveling and scope alignment with Owners, General Contractors, and other clients.
• Assist Project Managers with change order pricing, cost analysis, and value engineering exercises.
• Meet project bid deadlines and scheduling requirements.

Software & Systems

• Utilize and maintain estimating software including database updates and assemblies.
• Develop and maintain common mechanical system assemblies within estimating software.
• Update pricing, labor units, and specifications to reflect current market conditions.
• Support integration between estimating, BIM/VDC, and engineering workflows where applicable.
• Assist in training new team members on estimating software and processes.

Market & Industry Knowledge

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of mechanical systems, materials, labor productivity, and applicable codes.
• Monitor local market conditions including material, equipment, and labor cost fluctuations.
• Stay current with changes in industry standards, technology, and estimating best practices.
• Maintain historical cost data and bid tracking information.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate clearly with Project Managers regarding scope, assumptions, clarifications, and risk items.
• Participate in bid reviews, scope reviews, and turnover meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating function.

Administrative

• Maintain accurate time reporting.
• Organize and archive estimate documentation per company standards.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent field experience considered.
• 5+ years of mechanical estimating experience preferred.
• Experience with computerized estimating systems and/or Trimble Autobid estimating systems is preferred.
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and associated codes.
• Understanding of estimating best practices and construction cost principles.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Professional certifications such as ASPE or related industry credentials are a plus

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Cares about people
• Wants to love what you do
• Mentally tough
• Takes ownership and does what you say you will do
• Excellent communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Ability to read and understand job specifications, project drawings, sketches

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally
• May have occasional visits to a job site which would require periods of standing, walking and/or climbing stairs

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Project
• REVIT
• Quote Express
• Est - MEP

Baker Groupis an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.