Civil Lead Estimator - Industrial

Kiewit • Lenexa, KS

2d

About The Position

The Civil Lead Estimator develops detailed, comprehensive cost estimates for projects across Kiewit's industrial market by reviewing and interpreting client scopes and contract documents and incorporating solutions from engineering, procurement, and construction teams. The role supports a variety of execution strategies and engineering partnerships. Most projects have upstream engineering, while some require engineering within the group; design engineering experience is relevant to those estimates but is not required for every candidate.

The position is based in the Lenexa, Kansas office, with flexibility for remote employees who have the appropriate background. The role covers civil and structural estimating for industrial and power projects, including EPC pursuits, and may also lead or support design efforts for estimates. Work may take place at various locations and under varying conditions. Normal operating hours apply, with overtime and weekends as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• At least 4 years of construction estimating experience.
• At least 3 years of civil or structural engineering design experience in relevant industries such as power, infrastructure, industrial, or EPC.
• Strong proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and estimating and scheduling software used for civil and structural cost development.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and meeting project expectations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills across engineering, construction, procurement, and proposal teams.
• Ability to serve as a point of contact for internal and external clients and provide technical clarity and support during estimating and development.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and problem-solving ability in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Ability to support proposal teams by preparing civil-specific estimating content and working toward shared project goals.
• Ability to work productively and safely, understand and follow oral and written instructions, and communicate effectively with supervisors, employees, and others.
• Ability to work during normal operating hours, meet deadlines, and work overtime and weekends as required; work may occur at various locations and conditions may vary.

Responsibilities

• Review client RFPs, specifications, drawings, contracts, and reference materials to ensure estimates meet technical and contractual requirements.
• Oversee and use Civil 3D or similar design tools to generate surface models, evaluate site layouts, and extract estimating quantities.
• Conduct detailed quantity takeoffs for earthwork, site surfacing, underground piping, drainage, foundations, and structural components, and train others in these activities.
• Develop and assemble subcontractor and material bid packages with procurement; respond to bidder questions and support bid evaluations.
• Identify, document, and communicate estimating risks, assumptions, clarifications, and qualifications.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and construction teams to incorporate project elements into design assumptions and estimates.
• Compare self-perform estimates with subcontractor proposals or secondary team estimates and reconcile differences.
• Prepare civil- and structural-specific estimating content for proposals on moderate to large EPC pursuits.
• Use estimating software, CAD tools, and engineering design platforms to develop quantities, pricing, and cost models.
• Collaborate with construction partners to incorporate field conditions, constructability, and installation methods into pricing and assumptions.
• Prepare schedules, staffing assessments, and budget inputs for engineering and estimating deliverables.
• Participate in estimate reviews with estimating leadership and executive management to present, justify, and refine estimates.
• Maintain organized documentation of estimate bases, calculations, and assumptions in accordance with organizational quality standards.
• Attend technical meetings and help multidisciplinary engineering teams resolve design and estimating conflicts or gaps.
• Support permitting, third-party coordination, and design compliance requirements as they relate to estimating and project development.
• Lead or support onboarding, mentoring, and development of entry-level estimators and junior technical staff.
• For estimate-led design efforts, apply engineering techniques, calculations, and design standards to develop civil and structural estimates for power generation, carbon capture, and EPC projects.
• Analyze and develop site designs, including grading, earthwork, hydrology and hydraulics, roadway layout, and overall site development, to establish quantities and cost inputs.
• Prepare preliminary design concepts and engineering alternatives to support estimating, constructability reviews, and project feasibility evaluations.
• Maintain reliable attendance, meet deadlines, communicate professionally, follow instructions and safety policies, and work overtime or weekends as required.

Benefits

• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents
• Voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs
• Life insurance
• Disability plans
• Retirement plans with matching
• Generous paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level