Chief Estimator: Lead Civil Infrastructure Bids & Strategy

Mainframe Solutions; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k)

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Mainframe Solutions, a Houston civil contractor, seeks a Chief Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for complex municipal projects. You will shape bid strategy, evaluate risk, and grow the estimating team while coordinating with executives and operations.

The role requires deep knowledge of underground utilities, wastewater infrastructure, and heavy civil construction. This is a senior, leadership-driven opportunity with significant ownership potential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive heavy civil, underground utility, or infrastructure estimating experience preferred.
• Significant experience estimating underground water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and related civil scopes.
• Wastewater treatment plant and municipal infrastructure experience strongly preferred.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring, or managing estimators.
• Strong understanding of self-perform construction, production rates, equipment utilization, and field operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete estimating and preconstruction lifecycle from initial opportunity review through final bid submission.
• Develop detailed estimates covering labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, production rates, and indirect costs.
• Lead bid strategy, pricing, risk assessment, constructability reviews, and go/no-go discussions.
• Analyze plans, specifications, utility profiles, grading plans, geotechnical information, and contract requirements.
• Perform and review quantity takeoffs and production-based cost estimates.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Identify scope gaps, project risks, value engineering opportunities, and alternative construction approaches.
• Lead final estimate reviews with executive leadership.
• Partner with Project Managers and operations during project handoff, buyout, and startup.
• Track historical production data, labor costs, equipment costs, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy.
• Develop relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, municipalities, and industry partners
• Monitor the Houston civil market and identify opportunities aligned with company capabilities and growth objectives.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Bid strategy

Risk assessment

Team development

Tools

Digital takeoff software

Estimating software

Job description

Mainframe Solutions, a Houston civil contractor, seeks a Chief Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for complex municipal projects. You will shape bid strategy, evaluate risk, and grow the estimating team while coordinating with executives and operations.

The role requires deep knowledge of underground utilities, wastewater infrastructure, and heavy civil construction. This is a senior, leadership-driven opportunity with significant ownership potential.