Estimator-Heavy Civil/Highway

Kimmel & Associates, Inc.; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Profit-sharing program

Performance-based bonus

40-hour workweek

Modern office environment

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Kimmel & Associates, Inc. represents an established heavy civil contractor seeking a Civil Estimator - Heavy Highway to prepare and submit bids for infrastructure projects across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and the NYC metro area.

Responsibilities include cost estimation, risk evaluation, and collaboration with preconstruction and project teams to ensure competitive pricing and on-time bid submissions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in field engineering, project engineering, or estimation.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience with heavy civil, highway, paving, or site prep projects.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs, and regulations.
• Strong analytical, planning, and deadline management.
• Proficiency with listed software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, reports to define complete scopes.
• Prepare detailed estimates, takeoffs, and pricing proposals.
• Develop self-perform estimates including labor, equipment, materials, and indirect costs.
• Evaluate risks, bid competitiveness, and value engineering opportunities.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure timely bid submission.

Skills

Analytical skills

Bid development

Communication

English proficiency

Time management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HCSS Heavy Bid

AGTEK

Bluebeam

Procore

Job description

About the Company

Our client is an established heavy civil construction contractor specializing in highway infrastructure, asphalt paving, and site preparation.

With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer service, the organization has built a reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects that support growing communities. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team with access to a modern office environment and the resources needed to support professional growth.

About the Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Civil Estimator - Heavy Highway to prepare and submit competitive bids for infrastructure projects throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and the New York City metropolitan area. Project scopes include site preparation, underground utilities, highways, roadways, bridges, and asphalt paving.

Working closely with the preconstruction and project teams, the Estimator will develop comprehensive cost estimates, evaluate project risks, coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers, and help establish competitive pricing strategies. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review project drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, and other bid documents to establish complete project scopes.
• Prepare detailed estimates, quantity takeoffs, bid qualifications, and pricing proposals.
• Develop self-perform estimates based on crew production, labor, equipment, materials, indirect costs, staffing, and schedules.
• Evaluate project risks, competitive conditions, alternative construction methods, constructability, and value engineering opportunities.
• Review applicable DBE and SBE participation goals and incorporate requirements into bid preparation.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and project site visits to assess site conditions, scope requirements, and potential challenges.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to obtain competitive pricing and evaluate overall value.
• Negotiate supplier commitments and pursue favorable pricing to strengthen bid competitiveness.
• Communicate with clients, follow up on submitted proposals, and assist with bid negotiations.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and submitted in time for thorough review before bid deadlines.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Field Engineer, Project Engineer, or Construction Estimator.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Engineering Technology.
• Experience with heavy civil, highway, paving, infrastructure, or site preparation projects preferred.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, business documents, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to identify discrepancies and assess project requirements.
• Demonstrated planning, organization, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HCSS Heavy Bid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, and Procore.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Strong work ethic, professional judgment, and commitment to quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
• Valid U.S.-issued driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to meet applicable pre-employment screening requirements, including drug screening and motor vehicle record review. A criminal background check will also be conducted.
• Verification of identity and employment eligibility upon hire.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $80,000-$135,000.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Corporate profit-sharing program.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Full-time employment with a standard 40-hour workweek.
• Modern office environment and collaborative team culture.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructure projects and develop a long-term career with an established contractor.