Lead Estimator

RINA•Chicago, IL

9d•$140,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

RINA is currently recruiting for a Lead Estimator to join its office in Chicago, IL within the North America Infrastructure & Mobility Division. This position will work from our project office located at 11203 S. Corliss Ave, Chicago, IL 60628. Join a collaborative, high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional results for a strong and growing client base. As a Lead Estimator, you’ll play a key role in developing accurate, high-quality project estimates that drive successful outcomes. In this role, you’ll partner closely with the scheduling team to align cost and timeline planning, while actively contributing to Value Engineering, Risk Analysis, and Constructability Reviews. You’ll also engage early in the design phase, providing insightful recommendations that enhance constructability, optimize costs, and identify the most efficient building methods. Your expertise will help shape smarter, more strategic project decisions from concept through execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or other related field of study.
8+ years of relevant estimating experience including field general contracting experience within heavy civil engineering.
Demonstrated experience in building conceptual estimates from minimal plan information, as well as bottoms-up crew-based production estimates.
Ability to interact with architects, engineers, clients, and operations staff to ensure a clear understanding of a project.
Excellent oral and technical written communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with use of HCSS estimating software or similar preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop construction cost estimates for transportation, transit, heavy civil, and other infrastructure projects; develop cost estimates during all stages of design, from conceptual level to bid documents.
Apply multiple estimating methodologies as applicable, including analogous, parametric, and bottom-up techniques.
Develop crew estimates based on work activity, development of production rates and detailed quantity take-offs.
Coordinate with material suppliers for pricing.
Coordinate with schedulers to correlate cost and schedule scope elements.
Develop and document basis of estimate documentation, including key assumptions and exclusions.
Participate in risk analysis and value engineering studies.
Conduct constructability reviews on plans and specs in various stages of design.
Perform cost estimating activities using software programs, such as HCSS Heavy Bid and others.
Other duties as assigned.