At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accurate cost estimates for exciting mechanical engineering projects.
- Company: Leading engineering organisation with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, career development, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and make an impact on complex projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical estimating and strong analytical skills required.
Our client is a leading engineering organisation delivering complex projects across the industrial, utilities, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to join their commercial team and play a key role in securing exciting new projects. If you have a strong mechanical background, excellent commercial awareness, and enjoy producing accurate, competitive estimates for complex engineering projects, this is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking business.
The Role
Location: Applications accepted Nationwide (UK) - Hybrid Working Available
As a Mechanical Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for a wide range of mechanical engineering projects. Working closely with operations, procurement, engineering, and commercial teams, you will help develop winning bids while ensuring commercial viability and technical compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for mechanical projects.
- Review client specifications, drawings, and tender documentation.
- Carry out quantity take-offs and material take-offs.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Develop labour estimates and project cost models.
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities within tender submissions.
- Liaise with engineering, project management, procurement, and commercial teams throughout the bid process.
- Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings where required.
- Support value engineering initiatives and alternative proposals.
- Ensure submissions are completed accurately and within required deadlines.
- Maintain estimating records, databases, and historical cost information.
About You
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Mechanical Estimator within engineering, construction, industrial, utilities, or manufacturing sectors.
- Strong understanding of mechanical installations, piping, fabrication, HVAC, or process engineering.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Excellent numerical, analytical, and commercial skills.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable
- HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Experience working on COMAH, process plant, water, nuclear, energy, or industrial projects.
- Knowledge of NEC and/or JCT contracts.
- Full UK driving licence.
What's on Offer?
Our client recognises that their people are their greatest asset and offers a supportive environment where employees can develop their careers while working on technically challenging projects.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced Mechanical Estimator looking for your next challenge with a respected engineering organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Estimator
✨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 Building Careers UK.
✨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 Building Careers UK love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Building Careers UK 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
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 Building Careers UK 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 Building Careers UK
✨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 Building Careers UK.
✨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 Building Careers UK.
✨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 Building Careers UK, making you a more appealing candidate.
