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David Careers

Senior Estimator

Posted 52 days ago

career development partnersBrea (CA)
Cost EstimatorsOther Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

SENIORITY

Manager

SALARY

$140,000 – $175,000

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About the role

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction
Location: Southern California
Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE
Employment Type: Full TimeWe 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 $300MStrong 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 DOEHealth, dental, and vision insuranceESOP or 401(k) with company match Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays Performance-based bonuses Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

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