Senior Estimator: Lead Cost & Bid Strategy

CDM Smith; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 102,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in Lincoln, Nebraska is seeking a skilled estimator to join our design and construction management team. You will prepare design/build, engineer, CAC, and hard-bid estimates, analyze bids, and guide subcontractor pricing, working closely with a multidisciplinary group.

The role requires travel (20–40%), strong reading of drawings, cost control, and clear communication to senior staff while delivering accurate cost projections for diverse projects.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; 8 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.
• The frequency of travel is contingent on duties and workload.

Responsibilities

• Prepares design/build, engineer, construction management, guaranteed maximum price, and hard-bid estimates/proposals.
• Analyzes quotations both prior to and on bid day.
• Evaluates bids of sub-contractors and suppliers for completeness of scope of work, delivery time, and compliance with the specifications and other requirements.
• Enters quantity take-offs and material unit pricings as applicable to project.
• Recognizes and applies appropriate work breakdown structure (WBS) structure.
• Processes and identifies complete scope of project with limited levels of design definition.
• Prepares opinions of probable construction cost estimates to applicable discipline.
• Develop subcontractor and vendor scopes and reviews same for completeness.
• Assists in coordination of overall corporate estimating functions.
• Contact subcontractors and suppliers for outsource pricing.
• Provides guidance to more junior staff in estimating procedures and the use of estimating software.
• Manages bid day and close out activities.
• Performs additional duties as required.

Skills

Estimating

Cost control

Reading drawings

Team collaboration

Communications

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

CDM Smith in Lincoln, Nebraska is seeking a skilled estimator to join our design and construction management team. You will prepare design/build, engineer, CAC, and hard-bid estimates, analyze bids, and guide subcontractor pricing, working closely with a multidisciplinary group.

The role requires travel (20–40%), strong reading of drawings, cost control, and clear communication to senior staff while delivering accurate cost projections for diverse projects.