Lead Estimator

Job ID: 19372 

Benefits Offering
RailWorks is committed to helping our employees live better lives. We offer comprehensive benefits packages to eligible employees, including competitive pay, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, and additional performance incentives.

Pay Range: $130000 - $175000 / year 

Position Summary
The Lead Civil Estimator is responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, bid proposals, and construction budgets for complex rail transit projects throughout New York City and the five boroughs. This includes stations, tunnels, structures, civil/site work, underground facilities, track-adjacent civil elements, and all related infrastructure.
This role provides leadership within the estimating group, oversees the development of multimillion-dollar bids, supports buyout activities, and ensures the accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness of all civil estimating work. The Lead Civil Estimator collaborates closely with engineering, operations, subcontractors, and vendors to deliver high-quality, timely proposals in a demanding transit environment.

Primary / Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Estimating & Technical Work
• Prepares detailed civil and architectural cost estimates including concrete, rebar, structural steel, foundations, retaining structures, excavation, utilities, site work, railroad-adjacent structures, and station/tunnel-related work.
• Performs accurate quantity surveys and takeoffs using industry-standard methods and software.
• Reviews and interprets plans, specifications, contract documents, and addenda for assigned bids.
• Reviews and incorporates historical cost data, previous estimates, and purchasing records to inform current bid pricing.
• Prepares bid-day spreadsheets, pricing models, clarifications, and supporting documentation.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination
• Solicits, analyzes, and evaluates subcontractor and vendor quotes for completeness, accuracy, and scope alignment.
• Coordinates scope reviews and supports selection and buy-out of subcontractors.

Project & Client Interface
• Participates in pre-bid job walks, site investigations, and pre-bid meetings to validate conditions and clarify scope.
• Supports value engineering analyses and constructability reviews.
• Prepares and submits competitive multimillion-dollar civil bid proposals to clients.
• Assesses cost, schedule, and risk impacts associated with varying design or construction alternatives.

Leadership & Internal Coordination
• Leads coordination among estimating staff in preparation for bid day.
• Assists in the training, development, and mentoring of junior estimators.
• Reviews estimates, quotes, and proposals with the Chief Estimator or senior leadership for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensures all bid documentation is logged, organized, and filed after bid day.

Contract & Handoff Responsibilities
• Reviews awarded contracts to ensure alignment with bid assumptions and clarifications.
• Prepares and participates in internal handoff meetings with project management to support successful project startup.

Required Skills and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of civil estimating experience in heavy civil, rail transit, or transportation infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in estimating strategies, cost modeling, scheduling, budgeting, and job costing.
• Strong understanding of rail transit construction methods, right-of-way requirements, safety considerations, and MTA/NYCT contract structures.
• Ability to read and interpret complex civil, structural, and architectural plans and specifications.
• Experience using estimating software, cost databases, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to lead others, coordinate multiple priorities, and perform under tight deadlines.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
• Works primarily indoors in an office environment; may require occasional site visits or field work.
• Frequently sits, stands, walks, reads, writes, and uses a computer.
• May be exposed to harsh weather or loud noise during site investigations.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. 

RailWorks is North America’s leading track and transit system experts for over 100 years and with 45 offices across the U.S. and Canada.  We take on challenging projects every day and our success rely on a collaborative and open-minded work environment that encourages teamwork, positivity, and ingenuity.  We are committed to creating a culture of trust, respect, and acceptance.  RailWorks also offers opportunities to grow your career, develop your skills and pursue success.

RailWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with RailWorks without regard to an individual’s sex, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.