Lead Bridge Estimator

Lead Bridge Estimator

Lead Bridge Estimator – Lead pre-construction estimating and bid strategy for major DOT and structural bridge infrastructure projects.

Job Overview

• Company:
  Catts Construction Inc
• Salary/Pay Rate: $120,000 - $150,000 per year, depending on experience
• Location:
  
  Bedford, OH
• Job/
  
  Employment Type:
  
  Full Time
• Project Scope: DOT, Heavy Highway, and Structural Bridge Infrastructure

The Opportunity

Catts Construction Inc is seeking a Lead Bridge Estimator to take ownership of estimating and bid development for major structural bridge projects throughout Ohio and surrounding regional markets.

This role is designed for an experienced estimator who understands the complexity of DOT bridge construction and can step in with limited training beyond learning Catts Construction's internal processes.

You will lead the development of competitive, accurate bids for projects ranging from smaller bridge and rehabilitation work to multi-million-dollar DOT infrastructure projects. You will work closely with project managers, field leadership, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure each estimate reflects real-world production conditions and protects project margins.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead complete estimating and bid development for structural bridge and related DOT projects.
• Perform accurate quantity take-offs from civil, structural, and bridge construction drawings.
• Build detailed project estimates and bid strategies using HCSS Heavy Bid or comparable estimating software.
• Analyze labor, materials, equipment, production rates, subcontractor pricing, project schedules, and risk factors.
• Review DOT plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents for bid requirements and potential exposure.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies while maintaining appropriate project margins.
• Solicit and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, and scope gaps before bid submission.
• Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, bid reviews, and internal turnover meetings.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and field personnel to validate production assumptions and equipment requirements.
• Assist with bid transitions, change-order pricing, RFIs, force accounts, and other estimating support as needed.
• Maintain organized estimating records, historical production data, and cost information to improve future bid accuracy.
• Help evaluate which opportunities best align with the company's capabilities and strategic goals.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in heavy civil, heavy highway, structural bridge, or closely related infrastructure construction.
• Direct bridge estimating experience is strongly required for candidates targeting the stated $120,000–$150,000 compensation range.
• Demonstrated experience building complete estimates for DOT or public infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of bridge construction methods, concrete operations, structural scopes, project sequencing, and related field production.
• Proficiency with HCSS Heavy Bid or similar heavy-civil estimating software.
• Strong capability performing material and quantity take-offs from complex civil and structural plans.
• Working knowledge of Department of Transportation specifications, bid requirements, and contract documents.
• Ability to evaluate labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and production costs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, negotiation, and deadline-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of complex bids from initial review through submission.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of estimating experience involving structural bridge or major DOT infrastructure projects.
• Direct experience with Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects and specifications.
• Experience estimating bridge work for West Virginia DOT or other state DOT agencies.
• Advanced proficiency with HCSS Heavy Bid and familiarity with Heavy Job.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Previous project management or field leadership experience within bridge or heavy-civil…