About Kaempf & Harris

Kaempf & Harris, part of the R.W. Warner family of companies, is a sheet metal and mechanical contractor based in Frederick, Maryland, serving commercial and industrial clients across the Mid-Atlantic. We fabricate, finish, and install sheet metal for mission-critical projects, guided by three core values: Quality, Loyalty, and Integrity. On every job, safety comes before productivity, and our people are how we keep our promises to our customers.

Position Summary

The Assistant Estimator supports the estimating department in preparing accurate, competitive bids for commercial sheet metal and HVAC ductwork projects. This includes reviewing mechanical drawings and specifications, performing ductwork and sheet metal takeoffs, obtaining vendor pricing, organizing bid information, and preparing estimates.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically inclined, comfortable working at a computer for extended periods, and able to learn estimating and takeoff software. Prior sheet metal or estimating experience is helpful but not required—we will teach you what you need to know. What matters most is a strong willingness to learn and the ability to retain and apply what you are taught. This role calls for a self-motivated person with a strong work ethic who can stay productive with minimal direct supervision.

The goal of this position is to build the knowledge and experience needed to take on increasing estimating responsibilities and, ultimately, manage sheet metal estimates independently.

Compensation

$25–$28 per hour, depending on experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist estimators with ductwork estimates.
• Review mechanical drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
• Identify key requirements in project specifications and build each estimate around the required construction.
• Write scopes of work that clearly define inclusions and exclusions for each project.
• Enter takeoff quantities, labor, material, and pricing into estimating software, and build supporting Excel spreadsheets.
• Communicate, build relationships, and follow up with vendors.
• Obtain vendor equipment quotes ahead of bid deadlines.
• Track bid dates, addenda, drawing revisions, and other changes throughout the bidding process.
• Hold turnover meetings with project managers after projects are awarded.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and job walks as needed.

Computer and Technology Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Strong general computer and technology skills.
• Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Comfortable working with electronic construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word), or willing to become proficient.
• Ability to manage and organize electronic project files.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to read mechanical construction drawings, or willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet bid deadlines.
• Ability to follow established estimating procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional communication with vendors, general contractors, project managers, and coworkers.
• Willingness to learn commercial HVAC ductwork systems, sheet metal fabrication, and installation methods.
• Ability to spot discrepancies, missing information, and potential scope issues in bid documents.
• Dependable and organized; works well independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Experience (Helpful, Not Required)

• Commercial sheet metal or HVAC experience
• Sheet metal fabrication or installation experience
• Mechanical plan reading
• Bluebeam Revu or similar PDF takeoff software
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Familiarity with HVAC or mechanical construction terminology

Travel Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for project site visits, pre-bid meetings, and job walks.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based and involves extended computer work reviewing construction drawings, specifications, spreadsheets, vendor quotes, and other bid documents.

Training and Development

You will be trained to develop an understanding of:

• Sheet metal construction
• HVAC ductwork systems
• Reading mechanical plans and specifications
• Sheet metal takeoff procedures
• Labor estimating
• Vendor quote review
• Scope identification
• Bid preparation

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (with access to an onsite nurse)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance with LTC option
• 401(k) plan
• Paid Holidays (follow the Federal holiday schedule)

Pay Range: $25 to $28 - will be negotiable based on knowledge and experience.

Your application will remain active for 30 days.

R.W. Warner, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.