Estimator- Rail

Balfour Beatty Communities•La Verne, CA

About The Position

The Estimator will prepare detailed estimates and bids for heavy construction and civil infrastructure projects, including reviewing plans, specifications, and contract documents. Responsibilities include performing quantity take-offs, analyzing labor, material, and equipment costs, and developing accurate budgets and proposals in coordination with project managers and engineers. The role involves participating in pre-bid meetings, locating and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations, and identifying cost-saving opportunities and risk factors. The Estimator will also maintain historical cost data, support project scheduling and value engineering efforts, and communicate clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure competitive and compliant bids.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of construction estimating experience with heavy civil, rail, transportation, or infrastructure projects.
Earthwork field experience and a strong understanding of construction means and methods.
Ability to perform detailed quantity take-offs and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents accurately.
Experience developing detailed cost estimates, budgets, bid packages, and pricing strategies.
Knowledge of labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and production rate analysis.
Proficiency with HCSS, Bluebeam, or similar estimating software, along with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Strong understanding of public works contracts, procurement requirements, and competitive bidding processes.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations and develop risk-adjusted pricing recommendations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations, engineering, and business development teams.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Design-Build, CM/GC, CMAR, or other alternative delivery methods.
Heavy rail, transit, freight rail, or track construction estimating experience.
Experience estimating earthwork, grading, underground utilities, structures, drainage, and transportation infrastructure projects.
Familiarity with CPM scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or construction ERP systems.
Knowledge of value engineering, constructability reviews, and preconstruction planning.

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed estimates and bids for heavy construction and civil infrastructure projects.
Review plans, specifications, and contract documents.
Perform quantity take-offs.
Analyze labor, material, and equipment costs.
Develop accurate budgets and proposals in coordination with project managers and engineers.
Participate in pre-bid meetings.
Locate and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and risk factors.
Maintain historical cost data.
Support project scheduling and value engineering efforts.
Communicate clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure competitive and compliant bids.