Pipefitter Estimator

Job Title: Pipefitter EstimatorJob Description

The Pipefitter Estimator is responsible for developing complete and accurate cost estimates for process piping, utility piping, mechanical equipment installation, and prefabricated piping assemblies. This role takes projects from initial bid review through final pricing and project turnover, requiring a strong understanding of how industrial piping work is performed in the field and the ability to estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted services, and overall project risk. Candidates with experience as a pipefitter, mechanical tradesperson, foreman, superintendent, or estimator are particularly well suited for this position. The role offers significant exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of a dynamic industrial general contractor.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze construction drawings, piping layouts, P&IDs, specifications, bid packages, and other project documentation to clearly define and establish project scope.

• Complete detailed material and quantity takeoffs for piping systems, including pipe, fittings, valves, supports, hangers, specialty components, and mechanical equipment.

• Estimate projects involving a variety of materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy piping, HDPE, and copper, ensuring accurate material cost projections.

• Develop labor-hour projections based on project complexity, installation conditions, accessibility, work schedules, shutdown requirements, and expected productivity levels.

• Calculate labor costs for union construction environments by incorporating applicable wage packages, benefits, overtime, shift premiums, supervision requirements, and travel considerations.

• Determine cost-effective approaches for shop fabrication, field fabrication, piping spools, and modular or skid-mounted assemblies to optimize overall project costs.

• Obtain, review, and analyze vendor and subcontractor pricing for materials, equipment rentals, insulation, testing, heat treatment, scaffolding, and other specialty services.

• Participate in site visits and pre-bid meetings to evaluate field conditions, existing equipment, access restrictions, and piping tie-in locations.

• Coordinate questions, clarifications, and scope discrepancies with customers, engineering teams, and project stakeholders throughout the bidding process.

• Support the transition from estimate to project execution by providing clear documentation and input during project turnover.

Essential Skills

• Strong knowledge of pipefitting methods, piping components, fabrication processes, and field installation practices.

• Ability to interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, construction drawings, mechanical plans, and technical specifications with a high degree of accuracy.

• Practical understanding of industrial construction, pipe fitting, and pipe welding activities and how they impact labor and material costs.

• Working knowledge of labor-hour estimating and productivity factors for industrial mechanical work.

• Familiarity with union construction labor rates, agreements, and related cost structures, strongly preferred.

• Experience with bidding and project management activities related to industrial construction projects.

• Ability to analyze blueprints and technical documents to support precise quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to evaluate project risk and cost-effective installation approaches.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a pipefitter, mechanical tradesperson, foreman, superintendent, or estimator in an industrial environment is highly beneficial.

• Background in industrial construction and mechanical systems is advantageous.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, engineering teams, and project stakeholders during the bidding and estimating process.

• Strong communication skills to clearly present estimates, assumptions, and scope clarifications.

• Interest in contributing to a growing industrial general contractor and working closely with senior leadership.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position based in office facilities in Brighton, with travel to industrial job sites as needed. The role may involve occasional overnight travel within the Midwest to visit project locations and participate in site evaluations and pre-bid meetings. Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting using standard estimating tools and software, combined with field visits to active or prospective construction sites where industrial equipment, piping systems, and mechanical installations are present. The environment offers close collaboration with senior leadership and project teams, with a culture focused on growth, professionalism, and high-quality industrial construction services. Typical business hours apply, with flexibility required to accommodate bid deadlines and site visit schedules. Standard professional attire is expected in the office, with appropriate field attire and safety gear required when visiting job sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Brighton, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

401k , health care benefits, vacation and holiday pay . Competitive health care and other benefits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Brighton, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Brighton,MI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.