Senior Estimator
About the role
S.E.T., Inc. is a growing heavy civil contractor specializing in highway, bridge, and infrastructure construction across Ohio and surrounding states. As a $100M+ contractor, we are focused on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and building strong internal systems to support long-term expansion. We are seeking a Senior level Estimator who can contribute immediately and help us strategically build backlog with well-aligned, quality projects. The Estimator will support project pursuit from initial opportunity review through final bid submission. This role requires both technical estimating skills and a practical understanding of how heavy civil work is performed in the field. The right candidate understands that accurate pricing starts with understanding execution — production rates, crew build-ups, equipment spreads, sequencing, and field constraints. You will work closely with leadership, operations, and project management to pursue and win profitable work.
Responsibilities
- Monitor public and private bid platforms (ODOT, PennDOT, municipal, industrial)
- Identify and evaluate project opportunities aligned with S.E.T.'s capabilities
- Participate in go/no-go discussions
- Support development of a strategic bid pipeline
- Assist in tracking award rates and estimating performance metrics
- Review plans, specifications, and addenda
- Perform quantity takeoffs
- Develop labor, equipment, and material pricing based on realistic production assumptions
- Analyze phasing, sequencing, and constructability considerations
- Prepare competitive unit price and lump sum bids
- Participate in internal bid review meetings
- Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing
- Track and manage bid coverage
- Level and analyze subcontractor proposals
- Clarify scope inclusions and exclusions
- Support development of strong trade partner relationships
- Identify pricing risk and schedule impacts
- Support contingency planning
- Contribute to protecting project margin and company profitability
- Participate in project handoff meetings
- Assist in aligning estimate assumptions with cost code budgets
- Provide clarification to project teams regarding pricing strategy
- Support change order pricing as needed
Qualifications
- 5–7 years estimating experience in heavy civil or highway construction
- Strong understanding of field execution and production-based pricing
- Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Estimating Software
- Detail-oriented and analytical
- ODOT, PennDOT, or public infrastructure experience (preferred)
- Field experience in heavy civil construction (preferred)
- Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree (preferred)
- Experience with estimating or ERP systems (preferred)
- An accomplished estimator with a strong track record in Heavy Highway & Utility Projects