Senior Highway Estimator - Lead DOT Bids & Strategy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k with discretionary company match

Life and AD&D policy

Short & long-term disability

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Job summary

ASRC Industrial Services (AIS) seeks a Senior Highway Construction Estimator to lead competitive cost estimates for complex DOT highway and bridge projects. You will drive bid strategy, risk analysis, and pricing decisions, partnering with operations and executive leadership to win proposals.

You will mentor junior estimators, maintain cost databases, and stay current on material pricing and market trends to ensure profitable bids. This role focuses on safety, quality, and on-time bid delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience with DOT projects involving highways and bridges is required.
• Minimum 7-10 years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience leading estimates on large, complex projects.
• Expertise in cost estimating software and tools (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, Vista, Excel-based models).
• Strong negotiation and subcontractor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of comprehensive cost estimates for large-scale civil projects.
• Analyze plans, specs, geotechnical data, and contracts to understand scope and risks.
• Develop bid strategies including pricing approach and risk positioning.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subs.
• Lead subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, and scope alignment.
• Identify risks and incorporate contingencies into estimates.
• Collaborate with operations, superintendents, and project managers to validate assumptions.
• Present estimates and recommendations to executive leadership for bid approval.
• Support negotiations, value engineering, and contract development.
• Mentor junior estimators and maintain estimating databases and benchmarking tools.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Mentoring

Bid management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or construction management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Vista

Excel-based models

Job description

ASRC Industrial Services (AIS) seeks a Senior Highway Construction Estimator to lead competitive cost estimates for complex DOT highway and bridge projects. You will drive bid strategy, risk analysis, and pricing decisions, partnering with operations and executive leadership to win proposals.

You will mentor junior estimators, maintain cost databases, and stay current on material pricing and market trends to ensure profitable bids. This role focuses on safety, quality, and on-time bid delivery.