Chief Estimator - Michels Federal, Inc.

The Michels Federal, Inc. team plays a critical role in combining Michels’ solutions for the pursuit, development and delivery of large, complex energy and infrastructure projects. The Michels Federal team consists of dedicated people who work with one another and with customers to develop creative solutions for turning construction ideas into safe, reliable federal improvements. Like our field construction teams, Michel Federal takes into consideration safety, social and environmental responsibility, and health and wellbeing of our people and the communities in which we work. We strive to make a difference in positive, respectful, and responsible ways. Our work improves lives. Find out how a career as an Estimating Manager can change yours.

Michels Federal Inc. is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead and manage all aspects of estimating for federal heavy civil projects, with a primary focus on USACE and NAVFAC work. This role is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and compliant cost proposals for complex infrastructure, energy, and civil construction projects in the federal market. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, extensive federal estimating experience, and a thorough understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating function for federal GC/CM, negotiated, and design-bid-build projects.
• Prepare and oversee conceptual, ROM, GMP, and final bid estimates for large-scale heavy civil, infrastructure, and energy-related projects.
• Review and interpret RFPs, plans, specifications, amendments, and special contract requirements, ensuring full compliance with FAR, agency-specific requirements, and wage determinations.
• Coordinate and oversee quantity takeoffs, providing mentorship and technical guidance to estimators and takeoff engineers.
• Establish and validate labor productivity, crew compositions, equipment utilization, indirect costs, and general conditions.
• Lead the solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of subcontractor and supplier pricing, including documentation of all required federal good faith efforts.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and agency discussions as required.
• Collaborate with operations, project management, and scheduling teams to confirm means and methods, construction sequencing, and risk assumptions.
• Contribute to the development of preliminary and milestone schedules to support estimating durations and phasing.
• Assemble and review complete bid and proposal pricing packages, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and audit readiness.
• Present estimates and pricing strategies to senior leadership for review and approval prior to submission.
• Support post-award activities, including estimate handoff, budget setup, and cost code alignment.

Why You?

• You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people
• You believe there is a solution to every challenge – and you can find it
• You understand the importance of small details on large projects
• You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated
• You want to make your own decisions, but know support is always available
• You want to work to make a difference in people’s lives

What It Takes?

• 10+ years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or construction operations, with a strong emphasis on heavy civil, infrastructure, and/or energy projects.
• Proven experience bidding federal construction projects as a General Contractor or Prime Contractor.
• Strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal procurement systems.
• Experience estimating work for USACE, NAVFAC, and/or other federal agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to estimate large, complex, and technically challenging heavy civil projects, including earthwork, underground utilities, structures, and infrastructure systems.
• Advanced business math and cost modeling skills, including quantities, unit pricing, and productivity analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits concurrently in a deadline-driven environment.

Benefits

• We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision, competitive paid time off plans and much more
• We reward hard work and dedication with limitless opportunities
• We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to promote safety, regardless of job titles.
• Michels offers a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan. Depending on your position and location you may participate in a different benefit plan.

As set forth in Michels Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.