Efficiency Project Estimator (Philadelphia)

Position Summary:

As an Efficiency Project Estimator at Ecosave you will be responsible for developing and maintaining a database of contractors, accurately estimating construction costs, identifying scope gaps, risk mitigation and contractor dispute support associated with Power Generation, HVAC Upgrades, Mechanical, Civil, Plumbing, Electrical and related energy conservation measures. You will collaborate with our engineering, project management and Service teams to develop detailed project estimates, ensuring that our clients receive cost-effective solutions for their energy efficiency needs.

This role requires strong analytical skills and plays a critical part in Ecosave’s performance-based ESCO delivery model, where project estimates directly support guaranteed energy and maintenance savings. The estimator must balance accuracy, constructability, code compliance, and long-term asset performance to ensure risk is appropriately managed while maximizing client and company value.

Responsibilities:

Cost Estimation with Multi-Trade Scope Ownership : Develop accurate, comprehensive and integrated cost estimates covering HVAC, electrical and power equipment, civil, mechanical, plumbing, controls, and general labor scopes, ensuring no scope gaps or misaligned assumptions.

Scope Development: Assist engineering and project teams with SOW development.

Project Assessment : Collaborate with the engineering team to assess project requirements, energy-saving technologies, and the scope of work to be performed. Work with Engineering to proactively form scopes of work for best practices and efficient installation.

Material and Labor Cost Analysis : Research and evaluate material and labor costs in the local market, keeping abreast of industry trends and fluctuations Maintains, estimating and contractor database(s). Streamlines bidding and cost foraging using Procore interacting with Project Coordinators to gather legacy information and documentation.

AI-Enabled Estimating : Leverage AI-assisted estimating tools, historical project data, equipment pricing databases, and predictive cost models to improve accuracy, consistency, and speed of estimates

Proposal Development : Assist in the preparation of proposals and presentations for clients, providing clear and concise cost breakdowns and savings projections. Work with Project Management to effectively secure pricing for equipment and works using best practices to estimate the entire project cost.

Financial Sensitivity and Cost Optimization : Develop estimates with a clear understanding of savings realization, lifecycle cost, and long-term O&M implications inherent in performance-based energy service contracts. Identify opportunities to optimize project costs without compromising energy efficiency goals, making value driven decisions for equipment and system selections.

Risk Assessment : Evaluate potential risks and uncertainties associated with energy conservation projects and propose mitigation strategies. Identify scope gap, risks associated with labor, codes of practice and installation feasibility. Enables the dispute resolution process with data and cost documentation to substantiate claims and settlements.

Collaboration (Site Validation & Field Collaboration) : Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure the alignment of project estimates with the client's goals and objectives. Participate in site visits (up to 25% travel) to ensure constructability review is inclusive of local code requirements and installation feasibility.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and organized records of cost estimates, project documentation, and historical data for future reference.

Continuous Improvement : Stay updated on the latest advancements in energy conservation technologies and industry best practices, incorporating new knowledge into cost estimation processes.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, related field and or 15 years of direct estimating, quantities surveying experience in multi-trade project environment in energy conservation market with commercial and industrial experience.
• The preferred candidate has multiple trade experience and in field depth of installation from construction management or commissioning projects.
• Proven 10 years’ experience as a construction estimator with a focus on HVAC and energy conservation projects.
• Strong proficiency in cost estimation software
• Experience working in Procore, Salesforce and SAP environment is preferred.
• Experience using AI-driven or data-augmented estimating tools
• Proven ability to balance risk vs. opportunity in estimates tied to guaranteed outcomes. Balance estimates and hard costing decisions.
• Comfort operating in performance-based, long-term asset ownership environments
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of energy-efficient technologies and conservation methods.
• Familiarity with relevant building codes, regulations, local labor laws, prevailing wage structures and industry standards.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.