Project Control Estimator

Sendero Industries; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with match

Professional development

Job summary

Sendero Industries in Houston, TX is seeking a Project Controls Estimator to join our team on heavy civil projects along the Gulf Coast. You will develop accurate cost estimates, pricing for underground utilities, and detailed takeoffs to support budgeting and proposals.

This role blends field insight with office accuracy, requiring careful analysis of plans, bids, and contracts, plus collaboration with project managers and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Experience analyzing plans and pricing for underground storm sewer and wet utility scopes.
• Ability to read civil construction drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of construction cost estimating principles, quantity takeoffs, and unit pricing.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with project managers, field staff, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines from a jobsite trailer environment while coordinating with HQ as needed.

Responsibilities

• Analyze construction plans, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for underground utility scopes, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water systems.
• Forecast project costs, labor, materials, and schedule requirements to support budgeting and planning.
• Review and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Communicate with project managers, superintendents, engineers, and subcontractors to gather the information needed for complete estimates.
• Attend project meetings and review construction documents to verify the accuracy of cost estimates.
• Provide recommendations on cost‑saving measures, value engineering, and alternative construction methods.
• Track and update cost projections and schedules throughout the project lifecycle as scope, conditions, or market pricing change.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and flag risks that could impact budget or schedule.
• Maintain organized documentation of estimates, assumptions, and pricing sources for future reference.
• Support both conceptual (early‑stage) and detailed (bid-ready) estimates as needed.

Skills

Cost estimating

Plans & specs analysis

Civil drawings interpretation

Estimating software

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Construction management degree

Civil engineering degree

Tools

HeavyBid

Bluebeam

Job description

Sendero Industries is a full-service civil contractor headquartered in Houston, Texas specializing in site preparation, earthwork, drainage and utilities for private and public projects throughout the Gulf Coast. We have a 24-year history of successful projects for leading developers, civil engineers and general contractors. We’re known for our reliability, our understanding of what makes a successful project and our commitment to total satisfaction.

Job Summary

A Project Controls Estimator calculates the total costs, labor, materials, and time required for construction, manufacturing, or engineering projects. They provide accurate and reliable cost estimates that help project managers make informed decisions and maintain project feasibility and profitability. This role often involves both conceptual and detailed estimates, depending on the project stage.

Work Location

This position is based primarily on the project jobsite trailer, with periodic work at our headquarters office as needed to support broader project controls functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze construction plans, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate cost estimates
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for underground utility scopes, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water systems
• Forecast project costs, labor, materials, and schedule requirements to support budgeting and planning
• Collect and analyze project data — including plans, specifications, proposals, and contracts — to build reliable estimates
• Review and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes for accuracy and competitiveness
• Communicate with project managers, superintendents, engineers, and subcontractors to gather the information needed for complete estimates
• Attend project meetings and review construction documents to verify the accuracy of cost estimates
• Provide recommendations on cost‑saving measures, value engineering, and alternative construction methods
• Track and update cost projections and schedules throughout the project lifecycle as scope, conditions, or market pricing change
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and flag risks that could impact budget or schedule
• Maintain organized documentation of estimates, assumptions, and pricing sources for future reference
• Support both conceptual (early‑stage) and detailed (bid-ready) estimates as needed

Qualifications

• Proven experience analyzing plans and developing pricing for underground storm sewer and wet utility scopes (storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water systems)
• Strong ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
• Solid understanding of construction cost estimating principles, quantity takeoffs, and unit pricing
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with project managers, field staff, subcontractors, and other stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines from a jobsite trailer environment while coordinating with HQ as needed
• Relevant experience in construction estimating; a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field is a plus

Preferred

• Experience with earthwork/mass grading estimating (a plus, not required)
• Familiarity with estimating software (e.g., HeavyBid, Bluebeam, or similar platforms)
• Background in heavy civil, site development, or underground utility construction
• Working knowledge of applicable building and utility codes and regulations

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change based on organizational needs and at the discretion of management.

Sendero Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.