Senior Civil Estimator — Design-Build & Bids Lead

G&E Partners; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

G&E Partners in San Diego seeks a Senior Estimator with a strong background in heavy civil construction to lead bid cost development for hard bid, design-build and progressive design-build projects.

You will analyze drawings and specs, engage local subcontractors, and collaborate with project teams to deliver competitive proposals and accurate estimates for DOT, municipal, and infrastructure programs in Southern California.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience as an estimator for heavy civil construction projects.
• Experience with DOT, municipal, and infrastructure projects in Southern California.
• Strong network of local subcontractors, suppliers, and industry contacts.
• Experience with design-build and progressive design-build delivery methods.
• Proficiency reading civil plans and specifications.
• Ability to work under pressure on time-critical tasks with good time management.
• Excellent analytical skills with heavy emphasis on detail.
• Knowledge of design-build, lump-sum and low bid project delivery methods.
• Knowledge of markets for typical civil construction materials, equipment and subcontractors.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Use initiative and communication to maintain a collaborative problem-solving approach.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., HCSS, HeavyBid, or similar).
• Direct field experience in civil works, utility, concrete structures, bridges, tunnels, roads and railways.
• Awareness of critical path scheduling methods and software (MS Project or Primavera).
• Applicants must consent to this check as part of the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for hard bid, design-build, and progressive design-build projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive estimates.
• Identify and engage with local subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to ensure accurate pricing and strong partnerships.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and business development teams to support winning proposals.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and value engineering sessions.
• Complete and compile quantity surveys and take-offs as necessary for cost estimating.
• Develop comparatives to analyze principal construction approaches or techniques considering cost, risk and schedule.
• Create preliminary work schedules for bidding purposes.
• Source materials, equipment, and subcontractors to ensure best quality services and lowest pricing.
• Prepare bid submission packages in compliance with client’s instructions.
• Review tender documents for discrepancies, errors, and omissions.
• When applicable, attend bid openings and record results.
• Other tasks as required to ensure success in delivering bids.

Skills

Cost estimation

Heavy civil experience

Reading plans

Time management

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Communication

Education

Diploma/Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

MS Excel

MS Office

HCSS/HeavyBid

MS Project/Primavera

Job description

G&E Partners in San Diego seeks a Senior Estimator with a strong background in heavy civil construction to lead bid cost development for hard bid, design-build and progressive design-build projects.

You will analyze drawings and specs, engage local subcontractors, and collaborate with project teams to deliver competitive proposals and accurate estimates for DOT, municipal, and infrastructure programs in Southern California.