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Engineering opportunity

Senior Estimator

Brea, CA On-site $140,000.00 - $175,000.00

Posted: August 27, 2026

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction
Location: Southern California
Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE
Employment Type: Full Time
We 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 $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


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 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