Lead Mechanical Estimator - Industrial & Water Engineering

Position Overview

Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering (KIWE) is seeking a Lead Mechanical Estimator to join our Lenexa, Kansas office. This role is responsible for leading the development of comprehensive, competitive, and technically sound mechanical estimates for complex industrial projects.

The Lead Estimator partners closely with engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up teams to translate client scopes and RFP requirements into fully integrated EPC cost solutions. This position plays a critical leadership role in analyzing contract documents, developing/interpreting specifications and drawings, applying historical production data, and identifying cost-effective, constructible solutions that position Kiewit to win work.

In addition to delivering high-quality estimates, the Mechanical Lead Estimator supports the growth and continuous improvement of the mechanical estimating department through mentorship, process innovation, and collaboration across disciplines.

District Overview

Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. is a full-service engineering consulting and design firm serving a broad range of industrial markets. With more than 1,300 engineers and design professionals across all major engineering disciplines, we support the industrial, transportation, power, water/wastewater, mining, building, and oil, gas & chemical markets.

Our operations-focused engineering approach integrates over 130 years of construction expertise to deliver safe, efficient facilities — finishing projects on schedule and ensuring that Nobody Gets Hurt.

The Industrial & Water Engineering team includes process, mechanical, electrical, controls, structural, architectural, geotechnical, and civil disciplines. We specialize in EPC and design-build delivery for industrial projects in markets including:

• Datacenters
• Mineral Processing
• Renewable Fuels
• Pulp & Paper
• Industrial Energy, Water & Utilities

Location

This position is based in Lenexa, Kansas. Opportunities for flexible work are available.

Responsibilities

• Perform early project design work such as process flow diagram development, mass/energy balances, preliminary equipment sizing and selection, and general facility layout/arrangement.
• Provide design, coordination, and oversight of various mechanical systems to support project scope development.
• Manage the completion of project design calculations and development of P&ID’s and equipment specifications to support project estimates.
• Coordinate and communicate all aspects of the project’s mechanical design within multi-disciplinary teams; including management and oversight of third-party engineering.
• Lead the development of complete, detailed mechanical estimates for large and complex industrial EPC projects with varying degrees of project definition as defined by AACE (Class 5 though Class 2).
• Analyze RFP documents and contract requirements to define scope clearly and eliminate gaps or overlaps.
• Review multidisciplinary engineering deliverables to understand project scope, construction requirements, and execution strategy.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure technical alignment and completeness of project scope.
• Apply industry-standard estimating metrics, production rates, and historical data to validate pricing assumptions and explain variances.
• Develop cost analyses and present optimized solutions to internal teams.
• Identify cost-effective, technically compliant alternatives that enhance constructability and competitiveness.
• Interpret industry standard codes and specifications to support sound engineering and estimating decisions.
• Partner with procurement, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure accurate quantities and competitive pricing.
• Lead internal estimate review meetings and executive presentations for the piping and mechanical disciplines.
• Support proposal development and bid form generation.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating methods, tools, and processes to improve speed, consistency, and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent engineering program from an ABET accredited four-year university.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering and design of Industrial/Water EPC or Design -Build construction projects (large-project experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering and design teams on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies.
• Strong communication, leadership, and team-building capabilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, procurement, and construction teams.
• Proficient in basic computing programs including the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Results-driven mindset with a strong desire to win work and deliver best-value solutions.
  
  #LI-TJ1