Senior Estimator – Commercial Construction

Software Placement Group, SPG; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Relocation assistance available for.mq

Job summary

Software Placement Group, SPG is seeking a Senior Estimator for a Southern California heavy civil firm to lead pursuit of large-scale public and private works, including design-build and alternative delivery methods.

You will manage full estimating, review plans and specs, attend pre-bid meetings, coordinate teams, mentor juniors, and drive risk assessment and cost-to-estimate analysis, with compensation $140,000–$175,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• Proven track record of leading bids up to $300M.
• Expertise with design-build and alternate delivery methods.
• Strong knowledge of risk, contracts, and insurance.
• Leadership and ability to mentor junior estimators.
• Proficient in Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Agtek, SketchUp, and Primavera P6.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process for projects up to $300M, ensuring accuracy and profitability.
• Review plans, specs, soils reports, and site conditions to define scope.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee DBE and good-faith compliance.
• Coordinate estimating teams for bid prep and cost analysis.
• Review and approve final bid packages before submission.
• Assess risks, prepare risk matrices, and report to senior leadership.
• Oversee subcontractor bid reviews for scope alignment.
• Lead bid closings and provide final pricing recommendations.
• Support alternative delivery pursuits including design-build and CM/GC.
• Mentor junior estimators and promote consistency.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Bid management

Team leadership

Constructability review

Schedule/Phasing analysis

Contract terms knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Bid2Win

Bluebeam

Agtek

SketchUp

Primavera P6

SureTrak

MS Project

Job description

Location: Southern California (Brea, CA area) | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE

Overview

An established heavy civil construction firm serving Southern California is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead pursuit of large-scale public and private works projects, including design-build and alternative delivery contracts. This role is central to the company's growth, driving accurate, competitive, and profitable bids across highways, bridges, underground utilities, grading, paving, and structural work.

What you'll do

• Lead the full estimating process for projects up to $300M, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability
• Review plans, specifications, soils reports, and site conditions to define scope and assess constructability
• Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee DBE and good-faith effort compliance
• Coordinate estimating teams for bid preparation, subcontractor coverage, and cost analysis
• Review and approve final bid packages before submission
• Evaluate project risks and opportunities, prepare risk matrices, and report findings to senior leadership
• Oversee subcontractor bid reviews to confirm scope alignment and resolve gaps
• Lead bid closings and provide final pricing recommendations
• Support alternative delivery pursuits, including design-build, CM/GC, and progressive design-build
• Mentor junior estimators and drive consistency across the estimating department
• Partner with business development and maintain strong relationships with owners and industry partners
• Support post-bid handoff, change order review, and cost-to-estimate analysis
• Promote continuous improvement within estimating operations

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience
• Proven track record of leading and winning bids up to $300M
• Strong proficiency in Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Agtek, SketchUp, and Primavera P6 / SureTrak / MS Project
• Strong understanding of phasing, scheduling, and critical path analysis
• Solid knowledge of contract terms, insurance requirements, labor agreements, and risk management
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to perform under pressure and manage tight bid deadlines
• Valid driver's license required

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred
• 3+ years of field experience preferred

Compensation and benefits

• Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• ESOP or 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Performance-based bonuses
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Why this role

This is an opportunity to lead high-value heavy civil pursuits up to $300M in a collaborative environment where experience, leadership, and initiative directly shape the success of every bid.