Pre-Construction Manager – Federal MEP Projects (Bilingual)

Bernard Nickels & Associates
Knoxville, TN

Job Title: Pre-Construction Manager / Estimator (Bilingual – English/Spanish)

Federal Energy & Infrastructure Projects

Job Type: Contract (W2)

Start Date: March 30, 2026

End Date: November 28, 2026 (with potential for extension)

Job Location: Knoxville, TN (onsite role that also includes up to 25% travel)

Work Schedule/Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 hours per day (standard business hours)

Compensation: $54.00 to $60.00 per hour


Overview: Our construction services client's federal construction team is seeking a (bilingual) Pre-Construction Manager / Estimator to support large-scale federal energy and infrastructure projects. This role will lead pre-construction planning, MEP estimating, bid development, and subcontractor procurement for complex Army construction work, including a major project in Puerto Rico. They're ideally looking for a seasoned estimator with deep mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) experience who can support projects from development through bidding, evaluation, and award.


What You’ll Do:

• Develop Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) and ROM estimates across all design phases

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and MEP estimating

• Prepare pricing packages for RFP/RFQ submissions

• Source, qualify, and evaluate subcontractor bids

• Support bid leveling, negotiations, and award recommendations

• Coordinate with engineering, development, utilities, and construction teams

• Facilitate pre-bid walks and support proposal compliance


What You Bring:

• High school diploma (or GED) required; bachelor's degree (preferred)

• Fluent Spanish and English

• 8+ years of industrial/commercial pre-construction and estimating experience

• Strong MEP estimating background (mechanical, electrical, controls)

• Proficiency with RSMeans and industry estimating tools

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced federal environment

• Experience supporting federal or public-sector construction projects (preferred)