Senior Heavy Civil Estimator for Large Infrastructure Bids

ASRC Industrial Services (AIS); Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AIS Infrastructure Group is seeking a Senior Heavy Civil Construction Estimator to lead cost estimation for major civil projects, directing bid strategy and risk analysis. The role partners with operations, project management, and executive leadership to craft winning proposals aligned with safety standards and financial goals.

The estimator will perform quantity takeoffs, analyze plans and contract docs, and lead bid reviews and subcontractor outreach while mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent).
• 7–10 years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Proven experience leading estimates on large, complex projects.
• Advanced knowledge of heavy civil methods, means, and sequencing.
• Strong financial and business acumen with profitability/risk evaluation.
• Expertise in cost estimating software and tools (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, Vista, Excel-based models).
• Ability to lead bid reviews and communicate with executive leadership.
• Strong negotiation and subcontractor management skills.
• Attention to detail with multi‑phase estimates.
• Leadership to mentor and develop others.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal).
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of comprehensive cost estimates for large-scale and complex civil projects (e.g., highways, bridges, utilities).
• Analyze plans, specs, geotechnical data, and contracts to understand scope, risk, and opportunities.
• Develop bid strategies, pricing approaches, subcontracting strategy, and risk positioning.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier outreach, bid leveling, and scope alignment.
• Identify risks and opportunities and incorporate into contingencies.
• Collaborate with Operations, Superintendents, and PMs to validate means and methods.
• Present estimates and recommendations to executive leadership for bid approval.
• Support negotiations, value engineering, and contract development.
• Mentor junior estimators and support staff.
• Maintain and improve estimating databases, historical cost data, and benchmarking tools.
• Stay current on market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and competitive landscape.

Skills

Estimating

Heavy civil

Bid strategy

Leadership

Excel

Education

Bachelor''s degree in civil engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Vista

Excel

Job description

AIS Infrastructure Group is seeking a Senior Heavy Civil Construction Estimator to lead cost estimation for major civil projects, directing bid strategy and risk analysis. The role partners with operations, project management, and executive leadership to craft winning proposals aligned with safety standards and financial goals.

The estimator will perform quantity takeoffs, analyze plans and contract docs, and lead bid reviews and subcontractor outreach while mentoring junior staff.