Senior Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction

AIS Infrastructure; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Incentives

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Career advancement

Professional development

Job summary

AIS Infrastructure is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead heavy civil estimating from concept to bid submission in Chattanooga, TN. You will develop accurate cost estimates, assess project risks, and coordinate with operations and management to position AIS to win work while maintaining profitability.

The role requires 7–10 years of heavy civil estimating experience, proficiency with major estimating software, and strong planning and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 7–10 years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• Experience estimating projects exceeding $10 million preferred.
• Ability to interpret plans, specs, schedules, and contract documents.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for heavy civil construction projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs using estimating software.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Develop labor, equipment, production rate, and material cost estimates.
• Identify project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Project Management throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client discussions.
• Prepare bid packages and executive review presentations.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative construction methods.
• Maintain historical cost databases and estimating best practices.
• Mentor junior estimators and support continuous process improvement.

Skills

Heavy civil estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Subcontractor pricing

Plan interpretation

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership / mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

B2W Estimate

InEight

AGTEK

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel

Job description

AIS Infrastructure

Location: Chattanooga, TN (Relocation Assistance Available)

Build the infrastructure that powers America.

AIS Infrastructure is one of the nation's leading heavy civil contractors, delivering complex transportation, industrial, energy, federal, and water infrastructure projects throughout the United States. As we continue our rapid growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our preconstruction team in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

If you have a passion for large-scale civil construction, enjoy solving complex challenges, and thrive in a collaborative environment where your expertise directly impacts project success, we'd like to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating process for heavy civil construction projects from concept through bid submission. This position develops accurate cost estimates, evaluates project risks, coordinates with operations, and helps position AIS Infrastructure to successfully win work while maintaining profitability.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for heavy civil construction projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs using estimating software.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Develop labor, equipment, production rate, and material cost estimates.
• Identify project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Project Management throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client discussions.
• Prepare bid packages and executive review presentations.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative construction methods.
• Maintain historical cost databases and estimating best practices.
• Mentor junior estimators and support continuous process improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• Experience estimating projects exceeding $10 million preferred.
• Strong understanding of:
• Earthwork
• Concrete structures
• Bridges
• Underground utilities
• Highway and transportation construction
• Industrial or federal construction
• Proficiency with estimating software such as:
• HCSS HeavyBid
• B2W Estimate
• InEight
• AGTEK
• Bluebeam
• Microsoft Excel
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, schedules, and contract documents.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

Experience estimating one or more of the following:

• DOT transportation projects
• Design-build projects
• USACE projects
• Federal contracts
• Industrial facilities
• Water/Wastewater
• Energy infrastructure
• Bridges and structures

Why AIS Infrastructure?

At AIS Infrastructure, we invest in our people because we know our employees build our success.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance incentives
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional development and training
• Collaborative leadership team
• Opportunity to work on some of the nation's most challenging infrastructure projects

About AIS Infrastructure

AIS Infrastructure is a national heavy civil contractor specializing in transportation, industrial, federal, energy, marine, environmental, and infrastructure construction. Our teams are committed to safety, integrity, quality, and delivering exceptional results for our clients across the United States.

Whether building highways, bridges, industrial facilities, or complex federal projects, our employees help shape the future of America's infrastructure.

AIS Infrastructure is an Equal Opportunity Employer.