Senior Estimator

Defense Mechanics Inc; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus opportunities

Company truck

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

J&L Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the estimating department for underground utilities in North Texas. This position requires a seasoned estimator to oversee projects, mentor Junior Estimators, and directly influence company strategy for growth.

The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of construction estimating experience, particularly in underground utilities, and have proven leadership abilities. Competitive salary up to $150,000 with performance bonuses and excellent benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience.
• 5+ years estimating underground utility projects.
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department.
• Mentor and develop Junior Estimators.
• Review and approve estimates prior to submission.

Skills

Leadership

Underground utilities estimating

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam

AGTEK

Procore

Job description

Senior Estimator - Underground Utilities Construction

J&L Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead our estimating department and support the continued growth of our underground utility operations throughout North Texas.

This is not simply an estimating position. This is an opportunity to build and lead a high-performing estimating team, influence company strategy, and play a key role in securing the projects that drive our future growth.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced underground utilities estimator with proven leadership abilities, a strong understanding of heavy civil construction, and a desire to mentor and develop the next generation of estimators.

This position reports directly to executive leadership and offers the opportunity to influence company growth, bidding strategy, departmental development, and long-term operational success.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary up to $150,000 annually
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Company truck
• Cell phone allowance
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company‑paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%
• Two weeks paid vacation
• Eight paid holidays
• Three paid sick days

Why Join J&L Construction?

• Impact: your decisions will directly influence company growth, profitability, and long‑term success
• Build a Team: lead and mentor a growing team of Junior Estimators while establishing estimating standards, processes, and best practices
• Leadership Access: work directly alongside ownership and executive leadership to shape operational and strategic decisions
• Career Advancement: opportunities for growth into roles such as Chief Estimator, Director of Preconstruction, or Executive Leadership
• Stability: continued growth throughout North Texas within a family‑oriented culture that values lasting relationships and employee success

Position Overview

The Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager will oversee all estimating activities for underground utility construction projects while providing leadership and direction to the estimating team.

This role is responsible for preparing and reviewing estimates, ensuring bid accuracy, mentoring Junior Estimators, improving estimating processes, and helping secure profitable work that supports the company's strategic growth objectives.

The successful candidate will serve as the department's technical leader and work closely with company leadership to develop competitive bidding strategies and maintain estimating excellence across all projects.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department
• Mentor and develop Junior Estimators
• Review and approve estimates prior to submission
• Establish and maintain estimating standards and best practices
• Coordinate estimating workloads and bid schedules
• Provide technical guidance and support to estimating staff
• Conduct training and professional development for Junior Estimators
• Improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, and consistency
• Collaborate with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Technical Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs
• Develop conceptual and hard‑bid estimates
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Analyze labor, equipment, and production costs
• Prepare bid proposals and bid packages
• Identify project risks and value‑engineering opportunities
• Participate in executive bid review meetings
• Support project handoff and preconstruction planning
• Assist in developing and improving estimating procedures and workflows

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience
• 5+ years estimating underground utility projects
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience
• Strong understanding of water, sewer, storm drainage, and civil infrastructure construction
• Ability to mentor and develop estimating staff
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Proficiency with construction estimating software and digital takeoff platforms

Preferred

• Municipal and public works estimating experience
• Heavy civil construction background
• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, AGTEK, Procore, or similar software platforms
• Proven history of successful bid awards and project profitability

Who Thrives Here?

We are looking for a leader who enjoys developing people as much as building estimates.

Someone who takes pride in winning work, improving processes, mentoring team members, and helping a growing company reach the next level.

Someone who understands that every successful project begins with a well‑planned estimate and that strong leadership creates strong teams.

If you're looking for a position where your leadership will be valued, your expertise respected, and your contributions recognized, J&L Construction offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Join J&L Construction and help build the infrastructure that keeps North Texas moving forward.