About The Role

We are seeking a

Lead HVAC Estimator

to join the team. This is a 100% commercial, in-house role for an experienced HVAC professional who can take ownership of estimating from initial plan review through final proposal and project handoff.

You'll work closely with field and operations leadership to develop accurate, competitive estimates while helping the company evaluate and pursue new opportunities. The role offers strong visibility within the business and meaningful potential to grow into Project Management, General Management, or broader operational leadership.

What You'll Do as the Lead HVAC Estimator

Own commercial HVAC estimates from initial bid opportunity through final proposal and project handoff
Review mechanical plans, specifications, bid documents, and scopes of work to develop complete project estimates
Perform detailed equipment, material, ductwork, piping, and labor takeoffs
Develop realistic labor projections based on project scope, installation requirements, and field conditions
Solicit and evaluate equipment, material, vendor, and subcontractor pricing
Identify scope gaps, exclusions, project risks, and potential cost exposure before proposals are submitted
Develop competitive pricing while maintaining appropriate gross margin and profitability targets
Manage an organized pipeline of active bids, outstanding proposals, and upcoming opportunities
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and project reviews as needed
Partner with field and operations leadership to ensure estimates reflect real-world installation requirements
Develop value-engineering alternatives when they can improve project cost, constructability, or competitiveness
Provide clear, detailed project handoffs to operations after award
Review completed projects against original estimates to improve future labor, material, and cost assumptions
Build strong working relationships with general contractors, customers, vendors, and equipment suppliers

Must-Haves as the Lead HVAC Estimator

5+ years of HVAC industry experience
3+ years of direct HVAC estimating experience
Commercial HVAC estimating experience
Strong understanding of HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, labor requirements, and installation practices
Ability to independently read and interpret mechanical plans, specifications, and construction documents
Strong understanding of job costing, labor productivity, gross margin, and project profitability
Experience developing detailed equipment, material, and labor takeoffs
Ability to manage multiple active bids and deadlines while maintaining accuracy
Strong Microsoft Excel and estimating technology skills
Excellent organization, communication, attention to detail, and follow-through

Nice-to-Haves as the Lead HVAC Estimator

Experience estimating commercial new construction HVAC projects
Southwest Florida construction market experience
Established relationships with regional general contractors, suppliers, or equipment vendors
Experience with value engineering and constructability reviews
Experience comparing estimated costs and labor against actual project performance
Previous Senior Estimator, Project Management, or leadership experience
Interest and capability to grow into broader operational leadership over time

Our Client Offers

Base salary of $90,000-$150,000, depending on experience

Flexibility to compete for an exceptional commercial HVAC estimator

Negotiable performance-based bonus structure, with the potential for incentives tied to top-line sales

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

100% commercial project portfolio

Stable, onsite position with direct access to company and operations leadership

Small, close-knit environment with many employees who have built 10-15+ year careers with the organization

Strong company growth and long-term stability

Meaningful advancement potential into Project Management, General Management, or broader operational leadership

Opportunity to play an important role in the continued growth of an established Southwest Florida HVAC business

Trueline and its clients are unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.