Senior Estimator — Heavy Civil & Bridge Projects Lead

HDR, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Senior Estimator for a Los Angeles program. The role focuses on analyzing project plans, preparing estimates, and coordinating with project managers, suppliers, and clients to ensure accurate budgeting and cost control.

HDR emphasizes employee ownership and career growth within a collaborative culture. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field and at least 10 years of estimating experience, with proficiency in Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of related estimating experience.
• Advanced understanding of construction estimating concepts and scheduling.
• Able to lead small project estimates and communicate effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform general or discipline cost estimating and analyze data for accuracy.
• Support estimate reporting and reviews with project managers and clients.
• Provide technical direction to assigned personnel when needed.
• Prepare cost estimates for services, contractors, and capital projects.
• Develop unit rates and basis documentation; quantify and spread escalation.
• Assist in risk assessment, contingency efforts, and data sources.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project estimates

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

ProEst

PlanSwift

Sage Estimating

HCSS

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Are you a detailed-oriented professional with a passion for accuracy and cost efficiency in construction? HDR is seeking a motivated Senior Estimator to join our growing team on an exciting program in the Los Angeles area. In this role, you'll analyze project plans, prepare estimates and collaborate with project managers, suppliers and our client to ensure accurate budgeting and cost control. At HDR we believe in investing in our team's success! If you're ready to grow your career in a dynamic environment and on a great program, we'd love to hear from you!

In the role of Senior Estimator, we'll count on you to:

• Perform general or discipline cost estimating generating capital cost and/or services estimates; data analysis identifying problems and make recommendations; and control activities for project and/or proposal efforts
• Support estimate reporting and reviews
• Provide technical direction to assigned personnel when delegated
• Execute simultaneous tasks within broadly defined parameters
• Prepare services, distributable, contractor indirect and/or capital cost estimates in specialized discipline areas using current techniques and market pricing
• Prepare cost/schedule products for proposals or contract negotiations
• Provide input on the level of effort required (cost/job hours) through coordination with functions and/or vendors, and consolidate input for costing
• Perform and review methodology for quantity takeoffs from design drawings for multidiscipline sections and customize forms to reflect best effort
• Prepare detail pricing field office non-manual labor/other direct costs (ODC) and home office labor/ODCs
• Produce capital costs estimate using a crew-based approach including formation of crews from multiple disciplines
• Develop unit rates for discipline specific items
• Prepare basis and assumption documentation denoting rationale, inclusions and exclusions
• Calculate fee based on established fee model
• Quantify and spread escalation based on project schedule and estimated costs
• Develop and perform analysis of project cash models and the corresponding time value of money as the cost of working capital correlating scheduled activities and cost
• Support risk analysis assessment by identifying areas of risk
• Support contingency efforts as directed
• Assist in developing unit staffing, job hour and pricing data for a specific discipline or other specialty, including estimating parameters, factors, indices, and craft distribution reference data based on analysis of HDR and industry experience
• Perform data analysis, identify problems and make recommendations
• Identify or define data sources and techniques for data acquisition
• Prepare reports and estimate summaries for estimate reviews, as directed by supervisor
• Participate in estimate reviews and presentations as appropriate
• Support training activities as needed
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications (one or more): CPE, CCT, CEP, PSP, EVP, PMI-SP, PMP, CCM, PRMP, DRMP, PE
• Ability to interpret construction schedules
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a construction estimator with significant experience on highway and bridge projects.
• Heavy civil or utilities exp is a plus.
• Large project experience ($100m+) is a plus
• Proficiency in Bluebeam, ProEst, PlanSwift or Sage Estimating or HCSS
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings accurately
• Experience in sourcing materials, working with subcontractors and securing competitive pricing
• Local candidates preferred

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science Engineering or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years' related experience
• Advanced understanding of Microsoft Office software
• Advanced understanding of construction estimating concepts, construction scheduling and elements associated with Risk
• Able to lead small project estimates
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Other Locations

Industry

: Construction, Project Controls & Design/Build

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass : Project Controls

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Oct 16, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.