Estimating Engineer

Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc.; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Opportunities for training and career advancement

Job summary

Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc. is seeking an Estimating Engineer in Concord, CA, responsible for preparing accurate bids for heavy civil construction projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and strong mathematical skills.

The role involves detailed quantity takeoffs, reviewing design documents, and collaborating with Estimators to produce competitive bids. The position offers competitive salary, health benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Strong mathematical skills for accurate measurements and calculations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel user, capable of building and interpreting formulas.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs using various design documents.
• Analyze design specifications and collaborate with the estimating team.
• Generate quantities using PDF plans or 3D models.

Skills

Mathematical skills

Advanced Excel

Quantity takeoffs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

AGTEK

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Position Overview

The Estimating Engineer plays a key supporting role in the preparation of competitive, accurate, and timely bids for complex heavy civil construction projects. This position is structured as an entry‑level progression toward an Estimator role within the organization.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include performing detailed quantity takeoffs, analyzing design documents, and collaborating with the estimating team to develop reliable cost data. The role supports pursuits across transportation, aviation, education, and large‑scale civil infrastructure projects.

Through the application of quantity analysis, engineering principles, and digital takeoff tools, the Estimating Engineer contributes to risk identification, scope validation, and overall bid efficiency, while developing the core competencies required for advancement into an Estimator position.

• Support Estimators by performing quantity takeoffs using PDF plans, 2D CAD files, and 3D models. Typical scopes include: demolition, earthwork, roadways and highways, aviation‑related infrastructure, school facilities, and underground utilities.
• Generate quantities using 2D PDF plans or 3D models.
• Apply average end‑area volume methods to calculate cut and fill volumes accurately.
• Create Excel spreadsheets to calculate, compare, and summarize material quantities.
• Review and interpret contract documents, including drawings and technical specifications.
• Maintain organized records of takeoffs, working drawings, and summary documentation.
• Interpret project scope, constraints/phasing, construction schedules, and material specifications.
• Perform takeoffs using incomplete or preliminary design documents by conceptually visualizing design intent (advanced skill).
• Identify missing design elements, scope gaps, or overlap with other disciplines.
• Produce visual exhibits or markup sheets to document takeoff assumptions and clarify inclusions/exclusions.
• Collaborate with other takeoff personnel to ensure consistency and completeness of quantity assessments.
• Assist estimators in preparing for bid closings by organizing and formatting PDF plan sheets.
• Produce support during bid closings by running bids.
• Request and level subcontractors and vendors quotes.
• Manage time effectively, assess task complexity, and stay on schedule while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness of work.
• Track the time required to complete each takeoff to accurately assess turnaround capabilities and improve scheduling efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Strong mathematical skills with the ability to accurately measure, calculate, and convert material quantities and volumes for construction applications.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including the ability to build and interpret formulas for calculating end areas, volumes, and summarizing material quantities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, apply, and validate mathematical formulas to support accurate quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings and project specifications, including plans, elevations, grading plans, typical sections, detail drawings, and cross sections.
• Familiarity with digital takeoff tools such as AGTEK, On‑Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar platforms.
• Exposure to or experience supporting design‑build heavy civil construction projects.
• Prior experience in heavy civil construction, estimating, or a related field is preferred, but not required.

Working Conditions

Fast‑paced, deadline‑driven office environment.

Must be able to interact professionally with all levels of management.

Simultaneously manage a diversified workload with multiple lines of reporting and communication.

Demonstrate the ability to work on multiple projects, under tight deadlines with minimal direct supervision.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for training and career advancement.

Location & Compensation

Location: Concord, CA

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 (pay may vary based upon relevant experience, skills, location, and education among other factors).

Legal Statement

This will acknowledge that Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc. is at‑will. This means that you may terminate your employment at any time with or without notice or cause. It also means that the company can terminate your employment, at any time, with or without notice or cause.