Senior Data Center Estimator

Senior Data Center Estimator

About Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.

Our teams support projects across mission-critical facilities, commercial office, healthcare, higher education, government, multifamily, hospitality, and other complex environments. As VMG continues to expand its presence in the data center and mission-critical market, we are looking for an experiencedSenior Data Center Estimator to help lead strategic pursuits and develop competitive mechanical estimates for some of our most complex opportunities.

This role is ideal for an experienced mechanical estimator who understands the unique demands of hyperscale, colocation, and mission-critical construction and wants to play an important role in the continued growth of VMG's data center business.

What You'll Do

Lead Data Center Estimates

Lead detailed mechanical estimates for large-scale data center and mission-critical construction projects

Manage estimating efforts from conceptual budgeting and early design through final proposal submission

Develop estimates for conceptual, design-build, design-assist, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid opportunities

Perform and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs for HVAC, plumbing, hydronic piping, process piping, and related mechanical systems

Analyze drawings, specifications, contract documents, and design information to establish project scope and pricing strategy

Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and vendor pricing for complex mechanical scopes

Develop Competitive Project Strategies

Identify project risks, scope gaps, opportunities, and potential cost impacts throughout the estimating process

Develop value-engineering alternatives and cost-saving solutions without compromising project requirements

Evaluate labor productivity, equipment requirements, material costs, and construction sequencing

Maintain current knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and market conditions

Utilize historical project data and benchmarking to strengthen estimating accuracy

Support pricing and pursuit strategies for strategic data center opportunities

Collaborate Across Preconstruction & Operations

Partner closely with Preconstruction, Engineering, VDC, Project Management, Operations, and Executive Leadership

Participate in design-assist and design-build preconstruction efforts

Support constructability reviews and evaluate design development throughout the preconstruction process

Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to develop complete and competitive pricing

Support successful project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations

Incorporate lessons learned and project performance information into future estimates

Support Strategic Pursuits

Assist with proposal development, scope narratives, clarifications, qualifications, and client presentations

Participate in client meetings, bid reviews, and project pursuit discussions

Support strategic planning related to VMG's continued expansion within the data center market

Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, manufacturers, subcontractors, and industry partners

Provide estimating insight during early project development and pursuit decisions

Mentor & Strengthen the Team

Provide technical guidance and support to junior Estimators and other Preconstruction team members

Review estimates and takeoffs for accuracy, completeness, and consistency

Share data center estimating knowledge and industry best practices across the team

Contribute to the development of estimating standards, processes, tools, and historical cost databases

Help strengthen VMG's internal expertise in mission-critical mechanical construction

What You Bring

8+ years of mechanical estimating experience

5+ years of experience estimating data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial projects

Strong understanding of commercial HVAC, chilled water, condenser water, hydronic piping, plumbing, process piping, and related mechanical systems

Experience estimating hyperscale, colocation, mission-critical, or similarly complex facilities

Strong experience with conceptual estimating, design-build/design-assist projects, and GMP development

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documentation

Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, and mechanical construction cost drivers

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities

Ability to manage multiple complex estimates and deadlines

Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience

Direct experience working for a commercial mechanical contractor

Experience estimating hyperscale or colocation data centers

Knowledge of BIM/VDC workflows and constructability review processes

Experience working with complex mechanical equipment packages and mission-critical infrastructure

Familiarity with Procore, Bluebeam, Trimble, QuoteSoft, FastPIPE, or similar estimating and construction platforms

Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other Estimators

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered

What We Offer

Competitive compensation based on experience

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Hybrid work environment

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Company-paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Paid time off and company holidays

Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities

The opportunity to work on complex, high-profile mission-critical projects

A collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise makes an impact

Why VMG?

The data center and mission-critical market is an important part of VMG's continued growth. We're investing in experienced professionals who understand the technical complexity, speed, scale, and precision required to successfully pursue and deliver these projects.

As a Senior Data Center Estimator, you'll have the opportunity to influence major project pursuits, strengthen our mission-critical estimating capabilities, and help shape the continued growth of VMG's data center business.

If you're an experienced mechanical estimator with deep data center or mission-critical construction expertise and you're ready to take on complex, high-value opportunities, we'd like to hear from you.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Apply today and help build the future of mission-critical construction at VMG.

VMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.