Chief Estimator - Infrastructure/Data Center - Warrenton, VA

Ownership of estimating and preconstruction for underground dry utility projects, producing accurate and competitive bids across complex infrastructure work. You’ll work directly with preconstruction leadership while helping develop estimating processes, mentor junior talent, and support the company’s continued growth. The Chief Estimator - Infrastructure/Data Center - Warrenton, VA will be responsible for:

• Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for underground dry utility projects, including electrical and telecommunications scopes.
• Review drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to develop complete and competitive estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Manage the bid process from initial document review through final submission, ensuring deadlines and client requirements are met.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing to identify competitive and dependable partners.
• Partner with project management and field teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect site conditions and construction methodologies.
• Review project budgets and identify opportunities for cost savings, value engineering, and risk mitigation.
• Evaluate project risks relating to site conditions, scheduling, regulations, labor, and material pricing.
• Compare estimated costs with actual project performance to improve the accuracy of future bids.
• Monitor market conditions, material pricing, and industry trends that could impact project costs.
• Maintain organized estimating records, assumptions, pricing information, and project changes.
• Help strengthen estimating processes and procedures as the organization continues to scale.
• Support and mentor junior estimating talent while helping build a high-performing preconstruction function.

• 10+ years of estimating experience, ideally within underground utilities, site development, or related civil infrastructure construction.
• Strong understanding of underground utility construction methods, labor, materials, and equipment.
• Experience estimating dry utility scopes, including electrical and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Proven ability to independently manage estimates from initial review through final bid submission.
• Strong quantity takeoff, cost analysis, subcontractor solicitation, and bid leveling capabilities.
• Experience with HeavyBid, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Strong commercial judgment with an understanding of project risk and constructability.
• Comfortable collaborating with project managers, field leadership, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Leadership mentality with the ability to mentor junior employees and improve estimating processes.

• Competitive salary - $130,000 to $175,000 per year.
• Strong benefits: 6% 401(k) match, healthcare with the company covering 100% of the deductible
• PTO = 3 weeks
• Short- and long-term disability
• Company vehicle and gas card eligibility for field-based roles.
• Leadership opportunity: Take a leading role within estimating and work closely with senior preconstruction leadership.
• Growing organization: Join a $50M+ contractor with 70+ employees and the opportunity to influence how the business scales.
• Long-term career upside: This is an opportunity to build processes, mentor junior talent, and establish yourself as a key member of the company’s future leadership.

Our client is a well-established, $50M+ specialty contractor with more than 15 years in business and a strong reputation across mission-critical and infrastructure construction. With 70+ employees and continued growth ahead, the company offers an entrepreneurial environment where ambitious people can have a genuine impact on processes, teams, and future expansion.