Estimator

Estimator – Mechanical/HVAC (SkillBridge Internship for Military Veterans)

Location: Greensboro, NC – Raleigh, NC – Winston Salem, NC

Your Mission: Build a Strong Civilian Career with AC Corporation, A Crete United Company

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging—but your skills, discipline, and leadership make you an ideal candidate for success in the construction and mechanical trades.

At Crete United and AC Corporation, are committed to empowering veterans through our SkillBridge internship program, designed to give you hands-on experience in mechanical estimating and project planning. You’ll work alongside industry experts, gain real-world knowledge, and develop a high-demand skill set in HVAC and commercial construction.

This program is your gateway to a stable, well-paying career in a thriving industry!

What You’ll Be Doing (Your Role)

• Estimating & Bidding: Learn how to prepare, submit, and analyze bids for large-scale mechanical projects.
• Blueprint & RFP Review: Assist in reviewing engineering drawings, project plans, and RFPs to develop estimates for MEP heavy industrial, biomed/pharma, university and federal and state construction.
• Materials & Labor Analysis: Support material take-offs, labor estimates, and cost evaluations to ensure project feasibility.
• Risk Management: Identify compliance requirements, long-lead materials, and potential cost risks.
• Team Collaboration: Work with Project Managers, Sales, and Operations to ensure accurate project planning and execution.
• Market & Industry Research: Stay updated on industry trends, pricing, and construction methodologies.

What You Bring (Your Skillset)

• Military Experience: Your leadership, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
• Technical Aptitude: Experience in logistics, engineering, maintenance, or construction is a plus.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong math, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project).
• Ability to read technical documents, blueprints, and project specifications.
• Commitment to Learning: Willingness to adapt, grow, and transition into a long-term career.

This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual with strong leadership and communication skills, capable of driving projects to successful completion while continuously seeking ways to improve organizational processes and outcomes.

Why AC Corporation?

• Veteran-Friendly Workplace – We value and support military professionals transitioning into civilian careers.
• Hands-On Training & Mentorship – Work directly with experienced estimators, project managers, and engineers.
• Career Growth & Stability – Upon successful completion, interns may transition into full-time roles.
• Impactful Work – Be part of projects that shape pharmaceutical, industrial, and educational infrastructure.
• Strong Team Culture – Work with a dedicated, mission-driven team in a growing company.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• May be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and telephone, along with other general office equipment.
• Close vision abilities required due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting/carrying of 25 lbs. may be required.
• Ability to travel locally to site visits.
• May need to climb a ladder or access building roofs as part of job site visits and equipment evaluations.
• Reaching overhead or below.
• Work environment may include being able to tolerate moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.

This internship is open to candidates currently enrolled in the SkillBridge Program. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the Department of Defense and be transitioning service members.

Four Main Learning Objectives for the SkillBridge Estimator – Mechanical/HVAC Role

1️. Master the Fundamentals of MEP Estimating

• Objective: Learn how to accurately analyze and estimate costs for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems in large-scale construction projects.
• Key Topics: Gain expertise in material take-offs, labor estimates, and cost evaluations to develop precise project bids.
• Outcomes: Understand construction estimating fundamentals as they apply to the MEP industry.

2️. Develop Blueprint & Specification Analysis Skills

• Objective: Learn to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications to understand project scope and identify key cost drivers.
• Key Topics: Understand building codes, compliance regulations, and industry standards related to MEP systems.
• Outcome: Understand how to accurately quantify materials, labor and equipment required for specific MEP applications, and to ensure compliance with industry regulations.

3️. Gain Real-World Exposure to Bid Strategy & Risk Assessment

• Objective: Work alongside experienced estimators to evaluate risk factors, long-lead materials, and subcontractor proposals in bid preparation.
• Key Topics: Learn contract language, bid negotiation tactics, and compliance requirements to develop competitive and successful proposals.
• Outcome: Understand the organizational go-to-market strategy and how to effectively employ that strategy in a competitive bid marketplace.

4️. Hands-On Experience with Estimating Software & Tools

• Objective: Get practical training on industry-standard estimating software and digital tools used for MEP cost analysis and bid submissions.
• Key Topics: Organize and manage bid documents, project schedules, and proposal submissions for real-world construction projects.
• Outcome: Utilize digital tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and proprietary cost estimation software.

Type of Instructional Model: Employees at AC Corporation will receive instruction based on their onboarding plan, laid out by their hiring manager and department.  This will include regular check-ins and touchpoints to ensure progress at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days of employment.  Each individual development plan will be agreed upon at hire by the hiring manager and the employee.  They will receive training via a combination of delivery platforms:

• Instructor Led Training
• Online Training Development via open-source access platforms and access to the SP Academy platform.
• On-The-Job Training with a mentor

Instructor Qualifications: All programs at AC Corporation are overseen by Chuck Wurl, Director of People Development, who possesses a graduate certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin, Stout.  Project Management Instruction and hands-on training is overseen by Tim Mundy, CM, PMP, as a certified Project Manager via the Project Management Institute.  Technical Instruction is derived from Senior Engineers who hold P.E. Certifications in multiple states and have several years of experience.  In addition, HVAC instruction will be led by Senior Engineers and Project Managers, as well as high-ranking technicians in AC’s apprenticeship program.

Assessments: Estimators will undergo regular knowledge checks and be enrolled in SP Academy Continuing Education Curriculum.  No specific assessment will be used, but a curriculum covering basic HVAC knowledge will be included in the candidates first 180 days.

Training Outcomes: For employees who already have knowledge or seek to gain certifications outside of Estimating, ESCO Group has appointed Chuck Wurl, Director of People Development at AC, as a registered proctor with all rights to administer closed-book examinations offered by the ESCO Institute and its affiliates. 

AC Corp, A Crete United Company is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state of federal law. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.