Lead Estimator-Transportation

RINA is currently recruiting for a Lead Estimator to join its office in Chicago, IL within the North America Infrastructure & Mobility Division.

Please note that this position will work from our project office located at 11203 S. Public transportation is not available.

Compensation Data

$140,000 - $180,000 commensurate with education and experience.

As a Lead Estimator, you'll play a key role in developing accurate, high-quality project estimates that drive successful outcomes. In this role, you'll partner closely with the scheduling team to align cost and timeline planning, while actively contributing to Value Engineering, Risk Analysis, and Constructability Reviews. You'll also engage early in the design phase, providing insightful recommendations that enhance constructability, optimize costs, and identify the most efficient building methods.

Your expertise will help shape smarter, more strategic project decisions from concept through execution.

Develop construction cost estimates for transportation, transit, heavy civil, and other infrastructure projects; develop cost estimates during all stages of design, from conceptual level to bid documents.

Develop crew estimates based on work activity, development of production rates and detailed quantity take‑offs.

Coordinate with material suppliers for pricing.

Develop and document basis of estimate documentation, including key assumptions and exclusions.

Participate in risk analysis and value engineering studies.

Perform cost estimating activities using software programs, such as HCSS Heavy Bid and others.

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or other related field of study.

8+ years of relevant estimating experience including field general contracting experience within heavy civil engineering.

Demonstrated experience in building conceptual estimates from minimal plan information, as well as bottoms‑up crew‑based production estimates.

Experience with use of HCSS estimating software or similar preferred.

Ability to interact with architects, engineers, clients, and operations staff to ensure a clear understanding of a project.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Up to 10% travel may be required based upon business need.

PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT – Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.

DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN – Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Medical Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Transit, Parking, Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Voluntary Life, Voluntary AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits provided include paid time off, company holidays, tuition reimbursement, nursery grant, travel resource services, and 401K plan with company discretionary match.

It is the policy of RINA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy) national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans (veterans who served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a badge has been authorized), and Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.

Please, no phone calls or emails.

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