Senior Estimator (Foundations)

Clark Construction Group, LLC; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark Construction Group, LLC in McLean, VA seeks a Lead Estimator to oversee the full cost estimation process for geostructural projects, including SOE, deep foundations, and ground improvement work. You will develop bids using HeavyBid, review geotechnical data, and coordinate with subs to ensure accurate, competitive proposals.

The role requires 5+ years in heavy civil estimating, expert HeavyBid skills, and strong communication. The position may involve site visits and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years estimating in heavy civil or specialty foundations.
• Expert knowledge of HCSS HeavyBid; proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and MS Office.
• Strong understanding of deep foundations and earth retention elements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of comprehensive estimates from initial takeoff to final bid submission, including hard bid, negotiated, and design-build methods.
• Review geotechnical reports, boring logs, and drawings to determine drilling methods and shoring systems.
• Build and manage estimates within HeavyBid with accurate labor, equipment, and material allocations.
• Maintain HeavyBid master templates and rate databases.
• Keep historical cost data and production rates to improve bid accuracy.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from subcontractors and vendors for specialty materials and services.
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering to determine cost-effective construction sequences and equipment spreads.
• Identify project risks and quantify their impact on the budget.

Skills

Estimating experience

Geotechnical knowledge

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Bluebeam Revu

MS Office

Job description

McLean, VA

Full time

R5021625

The Lead Estimator is responsible for the oversight and preparation of complete cost estimates for specialty geostructural projects. This role focuses on Support of Excavation (SOE), Deep Foundations (Caissons, Micropiles, ACIP), and Ground

Improvement work. The successful candidate will leverage technical expertise and

HCSS HeavyBid to develop competitive bids and budgets for private and public sector clients.

Responsibilities:

• Estimate Development: Lead the preparation of comprehensive estimates from initial takeoff to final bid submission, including hard bid, negotiated, and design- build delivery methods.

• Geotechnical Analysis: Review and interpret geotechnical reports, boring logs, and structural drawings to determine appropriate drilling methods and shoring systems.

• HCSS HeavyBid Management: Build and manage cost estimates within HeavyBid, ensuring accurate labor, equipment, and material resource allocations.

• Managing HeavyBid master templates and rate database.

• Cost Analysis: Maintain historical cost data and production rates based on actual field performance to improve bid accuracy.

• Subcontractor/Vendor Coordination: Solicitation and evaluation of quotes for specialty materials (e.g., steel H-piles, casing, concrete) and third-party services.

• Pre-Construction Strategy: Collaborate with the Operations and Engineering teams to determine the most cost-effective construction sequences and equipment spreads.

• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks (soil conditions, water table, site access) and quantify their impact on the project budget.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience: 5+ years of estimating experience in the heavy civil or specialty foundation industry.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of HCSS HeavyBid is required. Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite is expected.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of deep foundation and earth retention elements, including:

• Communication: Ability to clearly present estimate findings and project risks to executive leadership and clients.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of local and regional market conditions for foundation materials and labor.

• Ability to mentor junior estimating staff and oversee the quality control of their work.

• Prior operations experience in geostructural construction.

The Physical Side of the Role:

Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work.

While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required.

Your Work Environment:

Your primary workspace will be in our McLean, Virginia office, which has a typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.

Our High-Performing Culture:

This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.

A Drug Free Workplace:

Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests.

Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $85,000-$185,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

Clark Construction Group is one of the largest building and infrastructure companies in the United States.

Our portfolio spans every major building market, from public to private, corporate to cultural, education to entertainment, and the infrastructure connecting it all – power, transportation, water, and roadways. Since 1906, we’ve been delighting and delivering value to our clients and project partners, providing diverse opportunities for our team, and strengthening the communities where we live.

With offices strategically located across the country, we pride ourselves on being a local builder with national reach.

Learn more about Clark Construction (https://www.clarkconstruction.com/) .

There is a sense of camaraderie that comes with delivering impactful projects as a team. It creates a sense of humility and fosters pride in the work we do. At Clark, we are proud to build what matters, together.

Learn more about careers at Clark (https://www.clarkconstruction.com/careers) .

Find even more opportunities with the Clark Group, our collection of companies – delivering construction and asset solutions for clients across the United States.

Clark Group's capabilities span the entire asset lifecycle – from project development and financing to construction and facility maintenance.

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S2N Technology Group

Building & Infrastructure

Atkinson Construction (https://clark.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Atkinson)

Shirley Contracting Company

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark Construction Group, LLC (and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, physical and mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law. Clark promotes a drug-free workplace.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Clark is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please email [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Authorization to Work

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis in order to be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Clark Construction Group, LLC, (subsidiaries and affiliates) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, physical and mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/assignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law. Clark Construction promotes a drug-free workplace.