Senior Estimator

Gpac; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GPAC is seeking a Senior Estimator for heavy civil infrastructure projects in Missouri, with remote consideration. The role leads the full estimating lifecycle for complex bridge and civil works, collaborating with executives, operations, engineering and procurement.

We seek 5–7+ years of estimating experience, a bachelor’s in CM/Engineering, and familiarity with Class I Railroads or USACE projects. Strong analytical skills and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 5-7+ years of estimating/construction experience on large bridge and heavy civil projects.
• Experience with Class I Railroads and USACE projects preferred.
• Strong steel bridge engineering and risk assessment knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead all bid phases from document review to submission.
• Develop detailed, competitive means and methods with innovative solutions.
• Perform site visits to evaluate risks.
• Prepare compliant estimates and proposals.
• Manage estimating to operations handoff.

Skills

Estimating

Bid development

Risk assessment

Cost analysis

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelors in CM/Engineering

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator (Heavy Civil Infrastructure)
Location: Local to Missouri Preferred | Remote Considered A well-established heavy civil contractor is conducting a confidential search for a Senior Estimator with expertise in complex infrastructure projects, including Class I steel bridge construction/rehabilitation and USACE lock and dam facility rehabilitation. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving the full estimating lifecycle-from opportunity evaluation through final proposal submission and post-award handoff. The position partners closely with executive leadership, operations, engineering, and procurement to develop competitive, executable pricing strategies aligned with company objectives.

Senior Estimator Overview

The Senior Estimator leads the preparation of accurate, innovative, and risk-conscious cost estimates for large-scale bridge and civil infrastructure projects. This individual will oversee quantity takeoffs, subcontractor/vendor solicitation, pricing analysis, proposal development, and preconstruction planning while ensuring compliance, quality, and on-time submissions.

Senior Estimator Core Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of the bid process from document review through submission.
• Develop detailed, competitive means and methods with innovative solutions.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate construction factors and risk elements.
• Prepare thorough, compliant, and timely estimates and proposals.
• Analyze direct and indirect construction costs with expert-level proficiency.
• Identify risk areas and develop alternative approaches to protect project viability.
• Continuously improve estimating tools, templates, and processes.

Proposal & Preconstruction

• Oversee qualification narratives and technical proposal components.
• Develop preliminary project schedules aligned with company resource capacity.
• Maintain historical project data for future proposal development.

Post-Award Engagement

• Support subcontractor and vendor selection utilizing prequalification standards.
• Assist with drafting initial subcontracts and major purchase orders.
• Lead the estimating-to-operations handoff process.
• Conduct quarterly cost and labor reviews to refine historical cost databases.

  Senior Estimator Qualifications

  Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (experience may substitute).

  Experience

  • 5-7+ years of estimating and/or construction experience on large bridge and heavy civil infrastructure projects.
  • Experience working with Class I Railroads and/or USACE projects strongly preferred.

  Technical Strengths

  • Strong understanding of steel bridge engineering and construction methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop innovative engineered solutions.
  • Advanced analytical, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational capabilities.

  Leadership Profile

  The ideal Senior Estimator candidate demonstrates:

  • Innovation in approach and solution development
  • Accountability for results
  • Sound, confident decision-making
  • Integrity-driven relationship building
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills

  All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.