Chief Estimator – Utilities and Infrastructure

EmergencyMD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Mainframe Solutions in Houston is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for underground utilities, WWTPs, and municipal infrastructure.

You will oversee the complete estimating process, drive bid strategies, manage risk, and mentor the estimating team to ensure accurate, competitive submissions aligned with company goals.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in heavy civil, underground utility, or infrastructure estimating.
• Strong background in wastewater treatment, municipal utilities, and public works construction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Exceptional analytical, cost evaluation, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete estimating lifecycle for underground utility, infrastructure, and municipal projects.
• Prepare and review detailed estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability considerations, and pricing strategies to support informed bid decisions.
• Analyze bid documents, specifications, utility profiles, grading plans, and project requirements.
• Review and level subcontractor and vendor quotations to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Lead final estimate reviews and bid strategy meetings with executive leadership.
• Support transition from estimating to operations by partnering with Project Managers during project handoff and buyout.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and clients.
• Monitor market conditions, material pricing trends, and labor costs to maintain competitive bidding practices.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators.
• Establish estimating procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Promote consistency, accuracy, and accountability across all bid submissions.
• Support team growth through coaching, training, and performance development.
• Assist with estimating workload planning and resource allocation across multiple pursuits.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Cost analysis

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff tools

Job description

Mainframe Solutions is recruiting a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for a growing civil contractor focused on underground utilities, wastewater infrastructure, and municipal construction projects throughout the Houston area.

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the complete estimating process, from opportunity evaluation through final proposal submission. The successful candidate will play a critical role in project selection, pricing strategy, risk assessment, and bid execution while helping drive profitable growth across a strong portfolio of public infrastructure work.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced estimating professional with a deep background in underground utilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and municipal infrastructure projects who is ready to lead both strategy and team performance.

Project Focus

• Underground utility construction including water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage systems
• Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) projects
• Municipal and public works infrastructure
• Site development and utility installation
• Heavy civil construction projects

Role Overview

As Chief Estimator, you will lead the pursuit and pricing of complex infrastructure projects while ensuring all estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company objectives. You will work closely with executive leadership, operations teams, project managers, subcontractors, and clients to develop winning bid strategies and support successful project execution.

In addition to managing active pursuits, you will provide leadership and mentorship to the estimating team, helping establish standards, improve processes, and maintain consistency across all submissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the complete estimating lifecycle for underground utility, infrastructure, and municipal projects.
• Prepare and review detailed estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability considerations, and pricing strategies to support informed bid decisions.
• Analyze bid documents, specifications, utility profiles, grading plans, and project requirements.
• Review and level subcontractor and vendor quotations to ensure complete scope coverage.
• Lead final estimate reviews and bid strategy meetings with executive leadership.
• Support transition from estimating to operations by partnering with Project Managers during project handoff and buyout.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and clients.
• Monitor market conditions, material pricing trends, and labor costs to maintain competitive bidding practices.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators.
• Establish estimating procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Promote consistency, accuracy, and accountability across all bid submissions.
• Support team growth through coaching, training, and performance development.
• Assist with estimating workload planning and resource allocation across multiple pursuits.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in heavy civil, underground utility, or infrastructure estimating.
• Strong background in wastewater treatment, municipal utilities, and public works construction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Exceptional analytical, cost evaluation, and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, executive leadership, subcontractors, and clients.

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency with industry-standard estimating software and digital takeoff platforms.
• Ability to interpret civil drawings, utility profiles, grading plans, and municipal specifications.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction methods and sequencing.
• Understanding of OSHA trench safety requirements and utility installation regulations.
• Experience evaluating project risks related to soil conditions, existing utilities, permitting, and constructability.
• Proven negotiating skills with subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation package based on experience.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Life Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid Time Off.

Why Join This Opportunity?

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence project selection, pricing strategy, and overall company success. You will be at the forefront of major infrastructure pursuits within one of the most active construction markets in Texas, working alongside an experienced leadership team with a strong backlog of municipal and utility work.

For an estimating leader looking to make a significant impact while helping shape the future growth of an organization, this is an outstanding opportunity.

Mainframe Solutions
[e-mail]
832-225-8398

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening in accordance with company policy and applicable laws. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of the offer.