Lead Estimator - Data Center Utilities - Warrenton, VA

Join a fast-growing underground utility contractor as a Lead Estimator and play a key role in shaping the company’s future estimating operations. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on major data center and power infrastructure projects while helping build processes and mentor a developing team. As the Lead Estimator, you will oversee the estimating function for underground dry utility projects while partnering with operations, project management, and field teams.Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare comprehensive cost estimates for dry utility projects, including electrical, telecommunications, and gas infrastructure work.
• Review project drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate pricing strategies.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive and reliable pricing.
• Compile and submit complete bid packages in accordance with project requirements and deadlines.
• Analyze project budgets, identify potential cost risks, and recommend value-saving opportunities.
• Track actual project costs against original estimates to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Evaluate project risks related to site conditions, scheduling constraints, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field personnel to ensure estimates reflect real-world construction methods.
• Maintain organized documentation of estimates, assumptions, revisions, and bid records.
• Support the continued development and improvement of estimating processes and procedures.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimating staff.

• 10+ years of estimating experience within underground utilities, civil construction, or related infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of dry utility construction, trenchless installation, and underground utility systems.
• Proficiency with HeavyBid, Microsoft Excel, and Bluebeam.
• Experience preparing complex bids and estimates for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to assess project risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Effective communicator who can collaborate across estimating, operations, project management, and field teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Ambitious professional interested in helping build and improve company processes.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities with the ability to develop junior team members.

• Base salary up to $175,000, depending on experience
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• United Healthcare coverage with company-paid deductible
• Company vehicle and gas card for applicable field-based personnel and project management staff
• 2-3 weeks PTO
• Short-term disability coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible scheduling with typical office hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Opportunity for significant career growth within a rapidly expanding organization

Our client is a well-established utility contractor specializing in underground utility installation and trenchless construction solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects. With more than 70 employees and annual revenues exceeding $50 million, the organization has earned a strong reputation for delivering complex work in the data center and power generation sectors.