Senior Estimator, Heavy Civil Infra – Caltrans

KLA Industries, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Vehicle allowance

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA Industries in Southern California is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating and bid preparation for major heavy civil, highway, and airport infrastructure projects. The role focuses on Caltrans and California public works with expertise in means and methods, production-based estimating, and subcontractor markets.

The successful candidate will develop competitive estimates, coordinate with project teams, and manage bid risk while aligning with agency requirements and production

Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Proven experience estimating Caltrans highway and California public works projects.
• Strong knowledge of Caltrans specifications, plans, bid requirements, and construction standards.
• Extensive understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods.
• Strong knowledge of earthwork, grading, paving, structural concrete, underground utilities, and roadway construction.
• Airport/FAA infrastructure estimating experience is highly desirable.
• Experience developing production-based estimates using labor and equipment crews.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor bid leveling, scope coverage, and vendor pricing.
• Ability to analyze complex plans, specifications, schedules, and contract requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates while meeting strict public agency bid deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed estimates and competitive bids for large-scale heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Review and interpret Caltrans specifications, plans, and contract documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
• Develop crew-based production rates for high-production grading, excavation, paving, and civil operations.
• Coordinate with DBE/UDBE subcontractors and vendors to meet public works participation requirements.
• Identify bid risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and value engineering alternatives.
• Develop preliminary schedules and coordinate with Primavera P6 when required.
• Maintain historical cost and production data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor changes in material costs and labor rates.
• Support bid reviews and final pricing strategy with senior management.

Skills

HeavyBid

InEight/Hard Dollar

Primavera P6

Excel

Bluebeam Revu

MS Office

Digital takeoff

Tools

MC Office Suite

Job description

KLA Industries in Southern California is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating and bid preparation for major heavy civil, highway, and airport infrastructure projects. The role focuses on Caltrans and California public works with expertise in means and methods, production-based estimating, and subcontractor markets.

The successful candidate will develop competitive estimates, coordinate with project teams, and manage bid risk while aligning with agency requirements and production