Balfour Beatty
Rail Estimator
Become Part of Our Team
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
- Vacation Time
- Sick Time
- Holidays
Senior ESTIMATOR
Senior Estimator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the division’s estimating program providing technical and administrative direction to ensure corporate objectives are met.
Salary range for this role is $120,000 to $180,000. This role will be Remote/Hybrid based within the region and expected to travel within the area.
Responsibilities:
- Create and manage bid estimates: From start to finish, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Review project plans and specifications: To determine accurate cost estimates.
- Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers: To gather necessary information for estimates.
- Analyze project scope and identify potential risks or opportunities for cost savings.
- Prepare bid packages and submit proposals to clients.
- Develop vendor and subcontractor solicitation strategies: Analyze bids and perform preliminary negotiations.
- Conduct post-project analysis: Evaluate the accuracy of estimates and identify areas for improvement.
- Maintain relationships with customers, design teams, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups: Reflecting and supporting company core values.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Lead Estimator: With a focus on site civil construction.
- Strong knowledge of infrastructure estimating principles, practices, and techniques.
- Excellent analytical skills: Ability to interpret complex project documents.
- Strong problem-solving skills: Detail-oriented with a keen sense of urgency.
- Strong negotiation skills: To secure favorable pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
- Organized and self-motivated: Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering: From an accredited program
- Rail Industry Experience a plus
Key Competencies:
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to systematically break down complex problems and analyze all components.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing project plans, specifications, and estimates to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with project stakeholders.
- Decision-Making: Ability to make informed, strategic decisions quickly and confidently.
- Time Management: Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and project milestones.
- Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team of estimators, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient in construction estimating software and other relevant tools.
- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles and cost control strategies.
- Negotiation Skills: Skilled in negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain the best pricing and terms.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and conditions.
- Risk Management: Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
- Client Focus: Committed to delivering exceptional service and value to clients, maintaining strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
About us
Accessibility:
Phone: (214) 468-4700
Email:BBTalent@balfourbeattyus.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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Freqently Asked Questions
Rail estimators in the Chino area often incorporate contingency buffers and maintain close vendor relationships to adjust bids for steel and other materials. This approach helps manage cost volatility inherent in infrastructure projects, ensuring proposals remain competitive without compromising accuracy.
While not always mandatory, certifications like Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) and specialized training in civil engineering software are highly regarded in Southern California. These credentials boost credibility and align with regional industry standards, enhancing opportunities within rail construction firms.
Expertise in rail-specific project scopes, such as track work and signaling systems, sets Rail Estimators apart. They blend civil engineering knowledge with strong negotiation skills to manage subcontractor bids unique to rail infrastructure, ensuring precise cost forecasting.
Daily efforts predominantly focus on detailed plan reviews, coordinating with engineers and suppliers, and refining cost analyses. Managing bid packages and mitigating risk factors through comprehensive scope evaluations are also time-intensive but essential for winning contracts.
At Balfour Beatty, Rail Estimators can advance to senior estimating positions, project management, or leadership roles within infrastructure divisions. The company supports professional growth through mentorship and exposure to diverse rail projects, fostering skill expansion.
This role emphasizes maintaining transparent communication and collaboration with clients, design teams, and suppliers, reflecting the company’s commitment to integrity and service excellence. Estimators are pivotal in upholding these values throughout project lifecycles.
Compensation typically ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, reflecting experience and project complexity. This aligns with regional standards for senior estimators in rail construction, including benefits like 401(k) matching and health coverage.
Chino's strategic location near major transportation hubs drives steady demand for rail infrastructure roles. While not as saturated as Los Angeles or San Diego, the market offers promising opportunities with moderate competition among skilled estimators.
Mastery of specialized construction estimating programs, such as HeavyBid or Sage Estimating, alongside strong Excel skills, is crucial. Familiarity with civil engineering design software enhances accuracy when interpreting complex rail project plans.
Successful estimators leverage strong negotiation tactics, market knowledge, and long-term vendor relationships to obtain favorable pricing. Preliminary bid analysis and strategic solicitation approaches help balance cost control with quality assurance.
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