Lead Estimator (Heavy Civil)

Lead Estimator (heavy civil)

Location: Alexandria, Virginia (DC Metro Area) / Hybrid Remote

Total Compensation Range: $180,000 - $220,000; (Base + ALA + Bonus)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Total Compensation Range: $180,000 - $220,000; (Base + ALA + Bonus) based on exp.
• Relocation support and area living allowance for candidates moving to Northern Virginia.
• Robust health, dental and vision coverage with low premiums; comprehensive wellness programs.
• Performance‑based bonuses and profit‑sharing opportunities.
• Generous paid time off, plus company holidays and personal development days.
• 401(k) with employer match, plus tuition reimbursement and continuous training.
• Supportive, family‑oriented company culture with opportunities to give back through community events.

THE ROLE

Inside Avenue is exclusively partnering with one of North America's most respected heavy civil contractors to identify a Lead Estimator for their Northern Virginia operations.

Our client is a national industry leader in delivering the most technically challenging infrastructure projects in the US. They are not just a general contractor; they are self-performing builders known for tackling what others can't, specifically in underground tunneling, complex bridges, and marine construction.

This is an opportunity to join a team where the estimating department is driven by field experience, not just spreadsheets. They are looking for a "builder who estimates", leveraging practical site knowledge to win the region's largest contracts

THE COMPANY & PROJECT PIPELINE

You won't just be bidding on standard roadwork. You will be championing bids for the most complex infrastructure throughout the East Coast

You will be joining a team with a massive, proven footprint in the Virginia region. The successful candidate will support bid pursuits to transition the team from their current flagship work to the next generation of mega-projects.

• The contractor's Virginia backlog includes a major 2-mile underground tunnel system and environmental project in Northern Virginia that is now in its final phase of lining and systems installation.
• The estimating team also supports specialized marine work, such as hyperbaric repairs on a bay‑crossing tunnel with demonstrated capacity in underwater and compressed‑air construction.

BID PURSUITS:

Looking ahead, the firm is targeting several large design‑build programs, ranging from new rail‑bridge corridors and fourth‑track expansions to interstate widening and interchange upgrades.

These pursuits require a Lead Estimator who can lead pricing strategies on bridges, tunnels and marine structures.

The Estimating Department is aggressively targeting a pipeline of multi-billion-dollar heavy civil pursuits, including:

• Major Rail & Bridge Infrastructure: Large-scale passenger rail bridges and capacity expansion projects connecting Northern Virginia and DC.
• Highway & Interchange Upgrades: Complex heavy highway widenings and interchange improvements in the Chesapeake Bay region.
• Marine & Dams: Future marine terminal expansions and dam safety modifications.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Reporting to the Chief Estimator, you will bridge the gap between construction operations and the bid room.

Lead Major Bids:

• Take ownership of estimates for bridges, dams, marine structures, and underground works

Strategic Engineering & Planning

• Develop temporary structure concepts (shoring, cofferdams, falsework) and evaluate make-vs-buy decisions for key components.
• Prepare detailed project schedules and pricing documents to establish progress rates and final bid prices for submissions.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Coordinate with designers, engineers, and construction managers to drive constructible, cost-effective solutions for design-build proposals.
• Participate in bid closeouts and proposal preparations while collaborating with the estimating team and attending site visits as required.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Field Roots: We are looking for 10+ years of experience, preferably starting as a Field Engineer before moving into estimating.
• Heavy Civil DNA: Deep experience with complex concrete structures, bridges, marine work, or tunneling is essential.
• Tech Stack: Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid, Hard Dollar, or Bluebeam.
• Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.

TO APPLY: Estimators with a passion for winning high-value mega-project work and building complex infrastructure are encouraged to apply.