Railroad Estimator

SEMA Construction, Inc.; Southlake (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

HSA Eligible Plans

Company Vehicle

FTO

Job summary

SEMA Construction, Inc. is seeking a Construction Estimator for heavy rail and civil projects. The role is full-time and on-site at either Centennial, CO or Southlake, TX, supporting bid development, cost analysis, and coordination with PMs and engineers.

You will review plans, perform quantity take-offs, and prepare accurate budgets while identifying risks and cost savings opportunities. Prior government contracting experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience with heavy rail, heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
• Structures or Earthwork field experience.
• Ability to interpret drawings and perform quantity take-offs.
• Strong cost management and budgeting skills.
• Effective communication with project teams, subcontractors and clients.
• Proficiency with estimating software and MS Excel or similar tools.
• Knowledge of construction means, methods and industry standards.
• On-site work at Centennial CO or Southlake TX offices and managing multiple bids.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and bids for heavy construction and civil infrastructure projects.
• Review plans, specifications and contract documents.
• Perform quantity take-offs, analyze labor, material and equipment costs, and develop budgets.
• Coordinate with project managers and engineers to ensure competitive bids.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and evaluate subcontractor quotations.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and risk factors.
• Maintain historical cost data and support scheduling and value engineering.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Skills

Construction Estimating

Heavy Rail & Civil

Quantity Takeoffs

Cost Management & Budgeting

Communication

Estimating software

MS Excel

Government contracting experience

Education

Degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

MS Excel

Job description

Company Description SEMA Construction, Inc. is a full-service heavy construction and civil infrastructure contractor with over 30 years of industry leadership. The company is recognized for delivering high-quality projects safely, ahead of schedule, and within budget, driven by employees committed to excellence and owner specifications. SEMA self-performs about 70% of major construction scopes, enabling fast, flexible, and efficient project delivery with sole-source responsibility. Approximately 80% of its work is for government entities, awarded through competitive bid processes including traditional, design-build, CM/GC, and public-private partnerships. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top contractors, SEMA is a collaborative partner offering integrated delivery methods and award-winning construction solutions.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Construction Estimator role based in Centennial CO or Southlake Texas for SEMA's Rail Group. SEMA is looking for Structures and Earthwork Estimators. The Railroad Estimator will prepare detailed estimates and bids for heavy construction and civil infrastructure projects, including reviewing plans, specifications, and contract documents. Responsibilities include performing quantity take-offs, analyzing labor, material, and equipment costs, and developing accurate budgets and proposals in coordination with project managers and engineers. The role involves participating in pre-bid meetings, locating and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations, and identifying cost-saving opportunities and risk factors. The Estimator will also maintain historical cost data, support project scheduling and value engineering efforts, and communicate clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure competitive and compliant bids.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Construction Estimating skills, including experience with heavy rail, heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
• Candidates should have Structures or Earthwork Field Experience.
• Candidates should possess Quantity Take-offs skills, with the ability to interpret drawings and specifications and measure materials accurately.
• Candidates should possess Cost Management and Budgeting skills, including developing detailed cost breakdowns and tracking project expenses.
• Candidates should possess effective Communication skills for collaborating with project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Relevant experience with estimating software and MS Excel or similar tools.
• Knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, and industry standards.
• Ability to work on-site in Either our Corporate office in Centennial Colorado or our Texas Regional office in Southlake TX, manage multiple bids, and meet tight deadlines.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with Class 1, Shortline, Transit Rail owners.
• Experience with government contracts, competitive bid processes, and design-build or CM/GC delivery methods is beneficial.
• Salary TBD based on level of Experience.
• 401K
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• HSA Eligible Plans
• Company Vehicle
• FTO

Privacy

All applicants and Resumes will remain confidential, communication with references will be coordinated with applicant to ensure privacy of applicant.