Design-Build Estimator

The Design-Build Estimator / Process Engineer operates within an ESCO environment, leading pre-construction efforts for water, wastewater, and industrial process projects from early opportunity assessment through development of complete design packages and cost estimates. This role focuses on scoping, designing, and pricing infrastructure improvements, working alongside Project Development teams responsible for energy performance contracting and ECM strategy. The position requires strong technical, estimating, and client-facing capabilities, with the opportunity to transition into project leadership through construction and commissioning phases.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Lead full-cycle pre-construction for ESCO pursuits, owning all water, wastewater, and industrial process scopes from early opportunity evaluation through development of a complete, defensible design-build estimate, ensuring technical accuracy and commercial viability.

• Partner strategically with Project Development teams, aligning with energy performance contract objectives while independently scoping, designing, and pricing all water/wastewater and industrial infrastructure improvements.

• Drive client engagement during pre-construction, including leading site walks, technical workshops, and presentations, translating real-world field conditions into design assumptions, risk identification, and cost drivers.

• Perform in-depth facility condition assessments and due diligence, evaluating municipal and industrial treatment systems to identify deficiencies, upgrade opportunities, regulatory gaps, and execution risks.

• Develop basis-of-design (BOD) documentation and conceptual engineering packages, including process flow diagrams and preliminary designs that support go/no-go decisions, proposal development, and client approvals.

• Lead design-build estimating efforts across all phases, producing conceptual to definitive cost estimates, detailed scope narratives, equipment lists, and subcontractor bid packages aligned with project requirements and market conditions.

• Execute equipment selection, sizing, and pricing, coordinating directly with vendors and subcontractors to validate specifications, pricing accuracy, availability, and lead times.

• Conduct thorough RFP and technical document reviews, analyzing client specifications, drawings, and requirements to define scope, identify risks, and establish clear assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications.

• Provide advanced process engineering expertise, developing treatment system designs (biological, filtration, disinfection, membrane, solids handling), including hydraulic profiles, mass balances, and treatment train alternatives, while ensuring cross-discipline integration and regulatory compliance.

• Support or lead project execution post-award, transitioning estimates into delivery by managing design-build coordination, subcontractors, schedules, budgets, documentation, and client communication through construction and commissioning.

Do you have experience in Water treatment systems?, Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering?, * Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, with 5-8 years of experience in design-build estimating and/or process engineering for water and wastewater treatment projects.

• Proven experience leading preconstruction efforts, including facility assessments, basis-of-design development, and cost estimating across municipal and/or industrial water and wastewater projects.

• Strong knowledge of process design principles, including biological treatment (activated sludge, MBR, trickling filters), filtration, and disinfection methods (UV, chlorination), along with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and regulatory standards.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences, along with proficiency in estimating tools and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project), and willingness to travel as needed (20-30%).

• Preferred: Experience with alternative project delivery methods (design-build, CMAR), ESCO/performance contracting, and project management on water/wastewater design-build projects from award through commissioning.

• Preferred: Familiarity with AWWA, WEF, Ten State Standards, and applicable federal and state regulations (SDWA, CWA, NPDES).

• Preferred: Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or process simulation software, along with experience in industrial water/process treatment systems (cooling water, process water, ZLD).

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Opportunities for advancement, As leaders in the industry, we offer team members a generous benefits package, top pay, career advancement, and an autonomous culture fostered by integrity and transparency. Working for us means a rewarding career where you will make a difference with our customers, our subcontractors, our suppliers, and our communities.

Team members at Quandel enjoy 4 weeks of PTO, 8 paid holidays, a 401K with company match, and a flexible work environment.

Quandel Energy Solutions, LLC, a Quandel Enterprises, LLC company, is currently seeking a mid-level Design-Build Estimator.

Quandel Enterprises, LLC is a comprehensive construction, construction management, and project development company in the Mid-Atlantic region. We provide support in the healthcare, higher education, K-12 schools, environmental, and industrial market segments. Quandel makes a constant commitment to maintaining a team of experts throughout our organization and we stand firmly behind our core purpose: Lead. Make a Difference. Build a Better Future.

We value our culture and the ability to offer career growth opportunities so that team members can grow and develop their career with us. We LISTEN to each other, COLLABORATE as one team and COMMUNICATE with transparency in order to EXECUTE successfully. We offer a safe, flexible environment. Working with Quandel means you will have a successful career that you can be proud of.