Lightning Mechanical LLC is seeking an experienced Senior Commercial HVAC Estimator to join our team in Maplewood, New Jersey. We are a full-service mechanical contractor specializing in commercial and industrial HVAC service, maintenance, installation, VRV/VRF systems, piping, sheet metal, boilers, pumps, motors, cooling towers, and related mechanical systems throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. We also perform sheet metal fabrication in-house.
The Senior Commercial HVAC Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and complete estimates for commercial HVAC construction, replacement, retrofit, and service projects. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical knowledge, understand project drawings and specifications, and be able to identify labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and project-management requirements.
Responsibilities:
• Review construction drawings, specifications, addenda, bid invitations, and scope documents
• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial HVAC and mechanical projects
• Perform accurate material and labor takeoffs
• Estimate equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, insulation, rigging, permits, subcontractors, and related project costs
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors, manufacturers, and subcontractors
• Develop complete project scopes and identify exclusions, qualifications, and potential risks
• Review bid requirements and confirm that estimates include all required labor, materials, equipment, and indirect costs
• Prepare proposals and bid submissions within required deadlines
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and scope-review meetings when necessary
• Coordinate with ownership, project management, field operations, purchasing, accounting, and customers
• Assist with project handoff after award and explain the assumptions used in the estimate
• Review change orders and prepare pricing for additional work
• Maintain estimating files, historical pricing, labor assumptions, and cost information
• Help improve estimating procedures, templates, and job-costing accuracy
• Monitor market pricing and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors
Qualifications:
• At least 5 years of commercial HVAC or mechanical estimating experience
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, and installation methods
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents
• Experience estimating commercial construction, retrofit, replacement, and service-related projects
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor pricing, and project risk
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and standard business applications
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines accurately
• Detail-oriented with strong judgment and a high level of accountability
• Experience with VRV/VRF systems, boilers, pumps, cooling towers, sheet metal, and mechanical piping is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with public works, prevailing wage, AIA billing, and larger commercial projects is a plus
• Valid driver’s license and ability to attend local job-site visits as needed
What We Offer:
• Full-time, year-round employment
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Opportunity to work on a wide variety of commercial and industrial projects
• Established company with in-house field, service, installation, and sheet-metal capabilities
• Collaborative environment with direct access to company leadership
• Opportunity to play a major role in project selection, pricing strategy, and company growth
Lightning Mechanical serves commercial spaces, medical facilities, data centers, multi-building properties, and other complex facilities, with experience in Daikin VRV and Applied systems as well as equipment from many other major manufacturers.
Lightning Mechanical LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
Lightning Mechanical LLC is an established commercial HVAC contractor based in Maplewood, New Jersey. We provide service, maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation for commercial and industrial HVAC systems throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. Our work includes VRV and VRF systems, boilers, pumps, cooling towers, ductwork, piping, controls, and in-house sheet metal fabrication. We serve commercial properties, medical facilities, data centers, multi-tenant buildings, and other mission-critical environments.