Senior Estimator

MKL Careers; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MKL Careers is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator for civil construction in Southern California. You will run estimates for federal, public works, and private projects valued from $100K to $10M, perform takeoffs, cost analyses, scheduling, and proposal development.

You will review bids, explore value engineering, and present estimates to clients and senior management while mentoring the estimating staff and strengthening client, subcontractor, and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of civil estimating and takeoff experience in site concrete, asphalt paving, earthwork, underground utilities, and roadwork.
• Advanced knowledge of construction means, methods, and equipment capabilities.
• Track record of winning work and existing relationships in Southern California.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent communication skills and a detail-oriented, team-first mindset.
• Valid driver's license, willingness to travel to job walks across California, and ability to pass a background check for access to federal installations.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates for federal, public works, and private projects from $100K to $10M — takeoffs, cost analysis, scheduling, and proposal development.
• Review and verify all bid proposals produced by the estimating team, ensuring accuracy against drawings, standards, and specifications.
• Analyze alternative solutions, value engineering, and construction methods to sharpen competitiveness.
• Present estimates and lead bid reviews with clients and senior management.
• Build and maintain client, subcontractor, and supplier relationships that expand bid opportunities.
• Report on the bid and sales pipeline in weekly leadership meetings.
• Hand off winning bids to field operations with clear scope, schedule, and means and methods.
• Support preconstruction and project teams with submittals, schedules, and specifications.
• Mentor estimating staff and champion the systems that make the company run better.

Skills

Civil estimating

Takeoff / cost analysis

Leadership

Client relationship building

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

RS Means

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

About the Company

Our client is an established, A-licensed general contractor with a multi-generational family history in heavy civil construction. They've completed thousands of projects — site concrete, asphalt paving, grading, demolition, and underground utilities — for military, industrial, and commercial clients across Southern California. They're a tight-knit team that enjoys solving hard problems, and they don't rest until the finished product is superb.

Why This Role

This is a chance to run estimating for one of the company's main business lines and shape how a respected, financially strong contractor wins work. You'll report directly to the owner, lead and mentor the estimating team, and put your fingerprints on the systems, pricing models, and client relationships that drive the company's growth. If you want your estimates to matter — and your career to move with them — this is that seat.

What You'll Do

• Lead estimates for federal, public works, and private projects ranging from $100K to $10M — takeoffs, cost analysis, scheduling, and proposal development.
• Review and verify all bid proposals produced by the estimating team, ensuring accuracy against the latest drawings, standards, and specifications.
• Analyze alternative solutions, value engineering, and construction methods to sharpen competitiveness.
• Present estimates and lead bid reviews with clients and senior management.
• Build and maintain the client, subcontractor, and supplier relationships that expand bid opportunities.
• Report on the bid and sales pipeline in weekly leadership meetings.
• Hand off winning bids to field operations with clear scope, schedule, and means and methods.
• Support preconstruction and project teams with submittals, schedules, and specifications.
• Mentor estimating staff and champion the systems that make the company run better.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of civil estimating and takeoff experience in site concrete, asphalt paving, earthwork, underground utilities, and roadwork.
• Advanced knowledge of construction means, methods, and equipment capabilities.
• A track record of winning work — and existing relationships that open doors in the Southern California market.
• Management experience and the ability to both lead a team and independently produce estimates.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat; RS Means experience a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent communication skills and a detail-oriented, team-first mindset.
• Valid driver's license, willingness to travel to job walks across California, and ability to pass a background check for access to federal installations.