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

Overview

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.

What This Role Offers

• 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

Primary Objectives

• 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

Cost Planning and Analysis

• 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, switchgear, cooling equipment, fire protection, and building management systems
• Define and price general conditions, general requirements, and other indirect or soft costs

Preconstruction and Risk Management

• 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

Trade Partner and Supplier Engagement

• 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

Reporting and Commercial Support

• 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

Qualifications

• 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 BIM enabled workflows and use of models to support quantity take off and cost planning
• Strong technical understanding of data center infrastructure, major equipment, and cost drivers

Additional preferred experience includes work on one or more of the following:

• Power generation projects
• Electric utility or substation work
• Industrial process facilities (such as food or product processing)
• Pharmaceutical or central utility plant projects

Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem solving skills
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines in a fast moving design-build setting
• High attention to detail combined with a proactive, team oriented mindset
• Competence with tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms
• Comfortable reading and interpreting drawings, specifications, and technical documentation at a high level of detail

Working Style

The environment is fast paced and dynamic, with a focus on delivery and accountability. Team members are expected to manage their time and working location to meet project and client needs while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary targeted above typical market ranges for similar roles, adjusted for experience and qualifications
• Eligibility for performance based incentives tied to both individual and company results
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
• Income protection, life insurance, and access to employee support programs
• Flexible spending or similar pre tax benefit options
• Generous paid time off and strong support for continued learning and professional growth

About Us

Climate17 is a purpose led, international renewable energy & sustainability recruitment consulting firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition and market insight services to organizations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and those working towards the decarbonization of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process

Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment, or resources to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.