Senior Heavy Civil Estimator - Lead Design‑Build Bids

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction
Location: Southern California
Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE
Employment Type: Full Time

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Southern California team. This role will support both private and public works bids , including large-scale design-build and alternative delivery projects . The ideal candidate brings strong heavy civil estimating leadership with deep experience in highways, bridges, underground utilities, grading, paving, and structural work .

We value people as the foundation of every successful project. Our team offers a collaborative environment where experience, leadership, and initiative directly impact the success of every pursuit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full estimating process for projects up to $300M , ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability

• Review plans, specifications, soils reports, and site conditions to define scope and assess constructability

• Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee DBE and good-faith effort compliance

• Coordinate estimating teams for bid preparation, subcontractor coverage, and cost analysis

• Review and approve final bid packages before submission

• Evaluate project risks and opportunities, prepare risk matrices, and report findings to senior leadership

• Oversee subcontractor bid reviews to confirm scope alignment and resolve gaps

• Lead bid closings and provide final pricing recommendations

• Support alternative delivery pursuits , including design-build, CM/GC, and progressive design-build

• Mentor junior estimators and drive consistency across the estimating department

• Partner with business development and maintain strong relationships with owners and industry partners

• Support post-bid handoff, change order review, and cost-to-estimate analysis

• Promote continuous improvement within estimating operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience

• 3+ years of field experience preferred

• Proven track record of leading and winning bids up to $300M

• Strong proficiency in Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Agtek, SketchUp, and Primavera P6 / SureTrak / MS Project

• Strong understanding of phasing, scheduling, and critical path analysis

• Solid knowledge of contract terms, insurance requirements, labor agreements, and risk management

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to perform under pressure and manage tight bid deadlines

• Valid driver’s license required

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team mentorship

• Detail-oriented and results-driven

• Strategic thinking and risk analysis

• Strong negotiation and communication

• Professionalism and integrity

• Strong process and time management skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• ESOP or 401(k) with company match

• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

• Performance-based bonuses

• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates