At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders for mechanical services and collaborate with various teams.
- Company: Leading building services engineering company in Essex with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, pension scheme, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the building services sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical estimating and strong understanding of building services systems.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
1st Step Solutions are supporting a building services engineering company who have an opportunity for a Mechanical Estimator based in Grays, Essex. (with site visits as required)Our client delivers Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing solutions across commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
Job Overview Responsible for preparing accurate and competitive tenders for mechanical services packages.
This includes reviewing specifications, mechanical drawings, carrying out detailed take-offs, liaising with suppliers/subcontractors, and producing full cost plans for HVAC, plumbing and public health systems.
Key Responsibilities Prepare mechanical estimates for HVAC, heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic services, drainage and associated plant.
Analyse tender documentation including drawings, specifications, schedules and scope of works.
Produce material and labour take-offs, bills of quantities, pricing schedules and tender summaries.
Obtain, evaluate and negotiate quotations from suppliers and specialist subcontractors.
Identify project risks and include appropriate allowances.
Support the development of pre-construction budgets and cost plans.
Work closely with electrical estimators, design engineers, project managers and the commercial team.
Attend internal tender review meetings and contribute to tender strategy.
Prepare tender clarifications, exclusions and assumptions.
Produce detailed and clearly structured final tender submissions.
Maintain accurate estimating records and update internal cost databases.
Skills & Experience Required Proven experience as a Mechanical Estimator within building services or mechanical contracting.
Strong understanding of mechanical building-services systems Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, schematics and specifications.
Competency with estimating and digital take-off tools.
Excellent numeracy, commercial awareness and attention to detail.
Desirable Experience in MEP estimating or combined services tenders.
Qualifications HNC/HND, NVQ, or Degree in Electrical Engineering or Building Services (advantageous).
Proven track record in electrical estimating (required).
CSCS card (or willingness to obtain).
Offer: Competitive salary Company car / allowance Pension scheme Career progression opportunities Private health care Excellent annual leave entitlement Job type: Perm Town/City: Essex
- County: Essex
- Discipline: Supervision & Technical Job ref: LB-16Post Date:08. 09. 2026
Mechanical Estimator in Chelmsford employer: 1st Step Solutions
Join a dynamic team in Leeds as an M&E Stores Person, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and efficiency. We offer competitive pay, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to employee well-being, making this an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Estimator in Chelmsford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like 1st Step Solutions.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like 1st Step Solutions love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of 1st Step Solutions and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Estimator in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for 1st Step Solutions and the Mechanical Estimator role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Step Solutions
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at 1st Step Solutions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at 1st Step Solutions.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with 1st Step Solutions, making you a more appealing candidate.
