Chief Estimator
metric dcxReston (VA)
About the role
Build what moves America. For 135 years we have shaped the country’s transportation network, from the Interstate Highway System to roads, bridges, airports, metros and railways. Today, Lane is one of America’s leading civil infrastructure contractors, specializing in mobility, tunnelling and water resources, and taking on projects that tackle sustainable development and climate adaptation. We’re looking for a Chief Estimator to lead our bid teams on large, complex pursuits and to help decide which projects Lane wins next.
What you’ll do:
- Lead the bid team from kickoff to submission, assigning pursuits and distributing work across the team
- Visit project sites to understand conditions, constraints and restrictions
- Build preliminary project schedules from plans and specifications using scheduling software
- Work with Supply Chain to price the resources each project needs
- Assess scopes of work and develop pricing using conventional methods and estimating software
- Engage with DOTs, subcontractors and vendors to make sure projects meet their DBE/minority participation goals
- Prepare bid forms, conceptual estimates and negotiated proposals
- Review all final estimates for accuracy and completeness
- Prepare and track budgets
- Research historical and regional costs, and keep historical cost data feeding into new estimates
- Independently develop estimates for large or complex projects
- Mentor, coach and develop members of the estimating team
- Take on other duties as assigned
- What you’ll bring
- Experience leading bid teams on large public-sector pursuits, ideally DOT work
- Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, B2W) and scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6)
- Strong understanding of DBE requirements and subcontractor/vendor outreach
- Sharp analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to hit tight bid deadlines
- A collaborative leadership style and a genuine interest in developing people
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field preferred
- Ready to lead the next big pursuit? Apply today.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.