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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Data Center Estimator - **Company:** ESS Direct Powered by Vertical - **Location:** Sterling, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Adobe InDesign, Big Data, Databases, Data Centers, Project Management Software, Microsoft Office, Bluebeam - **Published:** September 28, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_0ae6c0b4 ## About the Role * 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, 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. ## Description What You'll DoLead 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 ## Related Videos - [Shipping Faster with Less: Render on Cloud Hosting, AI Workloads, and the Future of DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1894-shipping-faster-with-less-render-on-cloud-hosting-ai-workloads-and-the-future-of-devops) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases) - [Empowering and Motivating Developers in a Purpose-Driven Team of the Future](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1177-empowering-and-motivating-developers-in-a-purpose-driven-team-of-the-future) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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