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Senior Heavy Civil Construction Estimator with AIS Infrastructure

AIS Infrastructure · Chattanooga, TN · 1 mo ago
ManagementFull-time

Company Overview

The AIS Infrastructure Group consists of four heavy civil construction companies. Our services include infrastructure improvement, heavy civil construction, and site development for government and state agencies and private enterprise across the United States. We do a wide variety of heavy civil projects, including highways, bridges, and DOT work, power plants, dams and reservoirs, underground utilities, and more. We are Heavy Civil Construction and Sitework experts, but we specialize in providing peace of mind. AIS Infrastructure Group is part of a family of companies unified by purpose to deliver safe, reliable solutions to our clients' unique challenges. We are committed to providing superior service and leaving things better than we found them.

Job Summary

The Senior Heavy Civil Construction Estimator is responsible for leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and strategic cost estimates for complex heavy civil construction projects. This role plays a critical leadership function in preconstruction, driving bid strategy, risk analysis, and pricing decisions that directly impact project success and company profitability. The estimator partners with operations, project management, and executive leadership to develop winning proposals while ensuring alignment with AIS Infrastructure's safety standards, operational capabilities, and financial objectives.

  • Lead the development of comprehensive cost estimates for large‑scale and complex civil construction projects (e.g., highways, bridges, utilities, dams, reservoirs, other public infrastructure).
  • Analyze project plans, specifications, geotechnical data, and contract documents to fully understand scope, risks, and opportunities.
  • Develop bid strategies, including pricing approach, 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 project risks and opportunities and incorporate them into estimate assumptions and contingencies.
  • Collaborate closely with Operations, Superintendents, and Project Managers to validate means, methods, and production assumptions.
  • Present estimates and recommendations to executive leadership for bid approval.
  • Support negotiations, value‑engineering efforts, and contract development.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to 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.

Requirements and Education

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

Preferred Requirements and Education

  • Experience with DOT, USACE, or other public infrastructure projects.
  • Professional certifications (e.g., CCP, PMP) are a plus.

Working Environment and Conditions

  • Office‑based with regular collaboration with operations teams.
  • Occasional travel to project sites, pre‑bid meetings, and client engagements.
  • May require extended hours during bid cycles.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverage.
  • 401(k) with a discretionary company match & 100% immediate vesting.
  • Company‑paid Life and AD&D policy (voluntary buy‑up options available).
  • Short & Long‑Term Disability.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Additional benefits and perks not listed.

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