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Location: Southern California (Brea, CA area) | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE

Overview

An established heavy civil construction firm serving Southern California is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead pursuit of large-scale public and private works projects, including design-build and alternative delivery contracts. This role is central to the company's growth, driving accurate, competitive, and profitable bids across highways, bridges, underground utilities, grading, paving, and structural work.

What you'll do

• 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

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience
• 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

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred
• 3+ years of field experience preferred

Compensation and 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

Why this role

This is an opportunity to lead high-value heavy civil pursuits up to $300M in a collaborative environment where experience, leadership, and initiative directly shape the success of every bid.