Building Automation Services (BAS) Estimator

EMCOR Services Automated Controls is a turnkey solution provider of building automation and energy management systems for a variety of commercial, industrial, and other facilities. We specialize in designing and installing advanced automation solutions with intuitive and interactive graphical user interfaces. Job Summary DeBra-Kuempel is seeking to fill a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Estimator position in our Lexington, KY location. This position is responsible for the preparation of accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for building automation systems projects. The BAS Estimator will review and interpret project plans, specifications, and customer requirements to develop comprehensive bids and proposals for new installations, retrofits, and system upgrades. This role also supports business development efforts by maintaining strong relationships with mechanical contractors, consulting engineers, developers, and strategic partners. The ideal candidate combines technical knowledge of BAS and HVAC controls systems with strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills to support project success from initial pursuit through project turnover.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Review and interpret project documents, including architectural/mechanical/electrical plans, specifications, sequences of operation, RFPs, and addenda, to determine scope and requirements.

Perform detailed take-offs for BAS components, such as controllers, sensors, actuators, valves, dampers, wiring, software, and programming hours.

Develop accurate bill of materials (BOM), labor estimates (installation, commissioning, programming, project management), subcontractor quotes, and overhead/profit margins.

Estimate costs for various project types, such as plan & spec, design-build, and performance contracts.

Select appropriate control system hardware/software, including Tridium Niagara, Automated Logic, Johnson Metasys, Siemens Desigo CC, and BACnet-based building automation systems; ensure compliance with project specs and standards.

Mitigate bid risks and improve competitiveness by identifying competitive vendor pricing opportunities, value engineering opportunities, risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential change order items.

Support the full bid lifecycle to transition projects to management teams by preparing proposals with scope narratives and pricing breakdowns, and negotiating scope, price, and value engineering requests from clients.

Facilitate continuous improvement by maintaining estimating databases, templates, and historical cost data, and following BAS industry trends, pricing changes, and emerging technologies.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the role and the organization.

Associate's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Automation, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).

2 years of experience in estimating or related roles within building automation systems, HVAC controls, DDC, or smart buildings industry.

Manufacturer-specific certifications or training (e.g., Niagara Certification, Tridium, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell).

Experience estimating for healthcare, data centers, higher education, or large portfolios with energy/performance contracting focus.

Familiarity with LEED/sustainability requirements, fault detection & diagnostics (FDD), cybersecurity standards for BAS, and remote/cloud-based systems.

Previous field experience in BAS installation, commissioning, or service (helpful for realistic estimating).

Knowledge of prevailing wage, union labor, or public sector bidding processes.

Strong technical understanding of BAS platforms, protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LON, etc.), control sequences, mechanical/electrical systems, and integration (lighting, metering, fire, security).

Proficiency in take-off and estimating tools/software (e.g., Bluebeam, ERP/CRM systems).

Strong knowledge of