Search Jobs

Location: Santa Ana, CA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $100,000–$170,000, depending on experience

Overview

An established heavy civil construction contractor is seeking a Senior Estimator to join its preconstruction team. This role is ideal for a seasoned estimating professional with expertise in structural concrete, heavy highway, bridges, and water/wastewater treatment facilities, playing a key part in preparing accurate, competitive estimates while collaborating with operations, project management, and subcontractors throughout the preconstruction process.

What you'll do

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for heavy civil construction projects
• Define and quantify project scope by reviewing drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents
• Perform quantity takeoffs for structural concrete, earthwork, utilities, and related scopes of work
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing to support comprehensive project estimates
• Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Analyze project risks, constructability, and value engineering opportunities to improve bid competitiveness
• Develop production rates and estimating assumptions to support project scheduling and planning
• Coordinate with project management and operations teams during bid preparation and project handoff
• Assist in preparing proposals and supporting documentation for competitive bids
• Maintain current knowledge of market pricing, labor availability, material costs, and industry trends
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and owners
• Ensure estimates are completed accurately and submitted within established deadlines

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction
• Extensive experience estimating structural concrete and public infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, production rates, scheduling, and cost analysis
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and consistently meet critical deadlines

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred
• Knowledge of local construction markets and subcontractor networks is highly desirable
• Estimating experience in one or more of: structural concrete, heavy highway construction, bridges, water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, public infrastructure, earthwork, underground utilities, industrial facilities, transportation projects, and design-build/alternative delivery projects
• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Primavera P6, Bluebeam Revu, and construction estimating/takeoff software preferred
• Experience bidding public works and DOT projects
• Strong subcontractor scope review and bid leveling experience
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving solutions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary: $100,000–$170,000, depending on experience
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative team environment focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure projects

Why this role

Join a respected heavy civil contractor delivering critical transportation and water infrastructure projects, working on challenging, high-profile projects alongside experienced professionals while helping build the roads, bridges, and treatment facilities that serve communities for years to come.