Senior EstimatorFoster Lawson • San Jose, CA, United States

Senior Estimator

Foster Lawson • San Jose, CA, United States

1 day ago

Job type

Full-time

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Estimator to lead our estimating team for major civil and infrastructure projects across the Bay Area. This role is responsible for driving the full preconstruction and estimating process for pursuits ranging from $50M to $1B+ , including transportation, water / wastewater, utilities, bridges, transit, and large-scale site development. The Senior Estimator will play a key leadership role in shaping competitive, strategic bids for some of the region’s most impactful infrastructure programs.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Oversight

Lead, manage, and mentor a multidisciplinary estimating team responsible for complex, high-value civil engineering pursuits.
Oversee workload planning, deadline management, and team performance to deliver consistent, high-quality bid packages.
Promote a collaborative, innovative estimating culture focused on accuracy, efficiency, and competitive strategy.

High-Value Estimating & Bid Strategy

Direct the complete estimating and cost-planning process for projects up to $1B , ensuring accuracy, risk awareness, and alignment with commercial objectives.

Prepare and review detailed cost estimates, bid schedules, quantity take-offs, value engineering options, and bid narratives.

Develop and drive bid strategies, partnering closely with project executives, engineering teams, construction operations, business development, and executive leadership.

Lead internal estimate review meetings and go / no-go decision processes for major pursuits.

Maintain and improve market cost databases, subcontractor outreach programs, and pricing intelligence across the Bay Area.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations

Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, joint venture partners, and public agency stakeholders across the Bay Area.

Participate in pre-bid meetings, industry networking events, and early contractor involvement processes.

Coordinate with design consultants, procurement, and operations teams to resolve scope questions, refine project assumptions, and ensure estimate completeness.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

Ensure estimating procedures meet company standards and industry best practices for large-scale civil projects.

Implement digital tools and workflows to enhance estimating accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.

Identify opportunities for innovation in estimating methodologies, preconstruction planning, and cost modelling.

Skills & Experience Required

10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil, transportation, or infrastructure sectors, with proven experience on projects $500M–$1B+ .

Demonstrated success leading teams and delivering competitive estimates on large Bay Area or California public works projects (e.g., Caltrans, BART, SFPUC, VTA, local municipalities).

Advanced knowledge of civil construction means and methods, risk evaluation, staging / phasing, and complex project logistics typical of the Bay Area.

Proficiency with estimating tools such as HCSS HeavyBid, InEight, or equivalent.

Strong analytical, numerical, and decision-making skills, with the ability to operate under tight deadlines.

Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).

Professional certifications (e.g., DBIA, PE, PMP, or AACE) are advantageous.

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to lead major bids shaping Bay Area infrastructure for decades to come.

Work on landmark projects for agencies such as Caltrans, BART, SFPUC, and regional transit and water authorities.

Competitive compensation (up to $250K), performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits.

Supportive leadership team committed to innovation, collaboration, and career growth.

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Senior Estimator • San Jose, CA, United States

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