Lead Cost Estimator

Delve Underground; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Work from home flexibility

Stock ownership / ESOP

Job summary

Delve Underground is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator based in North America to drive cost estimating on complex civil, structural and tunnel projects. You will lead a group of estimators and ensure robust, QA‑driven estimates while integrating risk input from the project team.

The role requires 10+ years in heavy civil tunneling, an engineering or construction management degree, and strong analytical skills. The position offers full benefits and work-from-home flexibility within a network of

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years direct field experience on heavy civil tunnel projects.
• 20+ years experience in heavy civil tunnel projects preferred.
• Accredited undergraduate degree in Engineering or Construction Management.
• Professional registration or ability to obtain within the 1st year of employment.
• Strong analytical and computer software skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating efforts on complex civil, structural and tunnel projects.
• Lead a group of project cost estimators.
• Perform and oversee cost estimating efforts, including conceptual estimates using unit price and production methods.
• Produce production-based estimates and schedules for interim design deliverables.
• Take-off and quote solicitations; maintain estimating database.
• Occasionally visit sites to observe construction means/methods and inform estimates.
• Provide QA review on work by others.

Skills

Cost estimating

Heavy civil tunnel

Scheduling

QA input

Analytical skills

Estimating software

Education

Engineering degree or Construction Management

Professional registration or ability to obtain within 1 year

Tools

Estimating software

MS Office

Estimating database

Job description

ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND

Delve Underground is a leader in underground and heavy civil engineering serving the transportation, water, wastewater, and energy industries. Specializing in tunnel design, we provide practical solutions to the most challenging underground problems. We offer comprehensive design, construction management, and construction claims services, with expertise extending across a wide range of engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering. Our primary focus is to make a significant impact on the advancement of infrastructure projects, which in turn shape and enhance the communities we serve. Founded in 1954, as Jacobs Associates, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices and 350 team members throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

We want our employees to make a career doing what they love to do. We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the company. We support their efforts to stay on the cutting edge of technology while fostering a great work-life balance. In addition to working hard, we also have fun. We socialize and celebrate achievements at summer picnics, holiday parties, and company outings.

Benefits:

• Full Benefits Program consisting of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, FSA or HSA, EAP, 401(k), ESOP, and company stock ownership program, 9 Paid Holidays, generous paid-time-off program, Work from home flexibility, and Health & Wellness Reimbursement

Pay Rate:

$160,025 - $290,156

Lead Cost Estimator

Delve Underground has an opening for a Lead Cost Estimator based in any of Delve Underground's North American office locations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead cost estimating efforts on complex civil, structural and tunnel projects.
• Lead a group of project cost estimators.
• Perform and oversee cost estimating efforts, including: Conceptual estimates using a combination of unit price and production-based methods; Production based estimates and schedules for interim design deliverables; Take-off and quote solicitations; Maintenance of estimating database; Occasional field visits to Delve and other projects to observe latest construction means/methods, including crewing and equipment spreads and disseminate this information.
• Collaborate with and provide basic input to risk assessments that quantify project risks, including clear divisions between estimating uncertainty and embedded construction risk in estimates.
• Review in-progress design drawings for constructability issues.
• Review specifications for cost-related constructability issues and to evaluate blend between prescriptive language and performance standards.
• Provide QA review on work by others.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years' direct field experience on one or more heavy civil tunnel projects; 20+ years' experience in heavy civil tunnel projects preferred.
• Past experience with a heavy civil contractor with an underground portfolio is highly desirable.
• Exposure to cost estimating and pricing work.
• Exposure to construction claims or change order pricing.
• Accredited undergraduate degree in Engineering or Construction Management.
• Professional registration or certification, or ability to obtain within the 1st year of employment.
• Strong analytical and computer software skills.
• Specification writing and review.
• Structuring of Measurement and Payment.
• Scheduling.

Delve Underground is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Compensation reflects the cost of labor across our US geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Salary Description

$160,025 - $290,156