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Posted August 21, 2026

Process Mechanical Estimator - Water & Wastewater Construction

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Newport Beach, California, United States 92660 Full Time
Reference: 286628850

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Process Mechanical Estimator- Water & Wastewater Construction develops accurate, competitive cost models for water and wastewater projects, with a focus on process mechanical piping and related equipment systems. This role reviews drawings, specifications, and P&IDs; performs quantity takeoff; coordinates vendor and trade pricing; builds estimate detail; and supports estimate reviews, trending, and GMP development.

This position works closely with design phase partners, operations, procurement, and other discipline estimators to align scope, labor strategy, pricing, and risk throughout the estimating process.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Review drawings, specifications, contract documents, and P&IDs to define complete process mechanical scope.
  • Perform quantity takeoff for piping systems, valves, fittings, supports, instruments, penetrations, and related components.
  • Set up and maintain takeoff files, estimating structure, system zones, specifications, job items, assemblies, and reports.
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor, fabricator, and subcontractor pricing.
  • Coordinate with other discipline estimators to prevent scope gaps and duplication.
  • Partner with operations to review installation approach, labor assumptions, productivity, sequencing, and means and methods.
  • Build estimate detail and support summaries, reconciliations, internal reviews, and owner deliverables.
  • Participate in estimate reviews, scope reconciliation, design review, trending, and GMP or buyout planning.
  • Support development of qualifications, clarifications, assumptions, and scope narratives.
  • Maintain organized estimate files, backup, and historical reference information.
  • Support project handoff to operations and reconciliation through late design and early construction as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related degrees required and minimum of 2-7 years' equivalent experience required.
  • Strong understanding of process mechanical systems used in water and wastewater facilities.
  • Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, flow diagrams, and P&IDs.
  • Working knowledge of common piping materials and related components.
  • Understanding of scope development, material pricing, labor buildup, and constructability.
  • Strong organization, accuracy, and follow-through.
  • Strong communication and coordination skills with internal teams, vendors, and operations partners.
  • Proficiency in spreadsheet-based estimate support and reporting.
  • Ability to identify scope gaps, conflicts, and risk items early in design.
  • Experience estimating process mechanical piping and equipment installation for water or wastewater projects.
  • Familiarity with self-perform construction, procurement workflows, and shop or fabrication coordination preferred.
  • Experience using Quote Express, WinEst, BuildingConnected, Join, or similar tools preferred.
  • Understanding of GMP, CMAR, design-build, or progressive delivery environments preferred.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $80,000-$93,000. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS:McCarthys Talent Acquisition Team is theonly authorized representativepermitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.

McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.

If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286628850

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