Senior Estimator

About the Company

J.D. Eckman, Inc. is a heavy highway contractor located in Atglen, Pennsylvania, who takes pride in delivering complex road and bridge projects with a steadfast commitment to safety, quality and public service – strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the individuals who make our work possible.

About the Role

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Estimator to support our growing portfolio of heavy civil highway and transportation infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania. The ideal candidate will have 15 years of estimating experience with a strong background in heavy highway construction, public infrastructure, and government contracting. This position plays a critical role in the preparation of accurate, competitive bids for projects involving highways, roadways, bridges, earthwork, drainage, utility relocation, and transportation improvements. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with PennDOT projects, municipal and county work, and federally funded transportation contracts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed, accurate, and competitive estimates for heavy civil highway construction projects throughout Pennsylvania.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, bid documents, geotechnical reports, and contract requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop detailed labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor pricing.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and coordination meetings as needed.
• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Develop bid strategies that balance competitiveness and profitability.
• Coordinate with project management and operations teams during turnover of awarded projects.
• Maintain knowledge of market conditions, production rates, labor costs, and material pricing across Pennsylvania and surrounding markets.
• Assist with proposal preparation and submission for public and private infrastructure opportunities.

Qualifications

• 15 years of estimating experience in heavy civil highway construction.
• Demonstrated experience estimating PennDOT, county, municipal, and federally funded transportation projects.
• Strong understanding of Pennsylvania highway construction standards, specifications, and bidding procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of roadway, bridge, paving, utility, drainage, and sitework construction methods.
• Proven ability to prepare accurate estimates for projects ranging from several million dollars to $100M .
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, schedules, and contractual requirements.
• Strong understanding of equipment production rates, labor productivity, and construction sequencing.
• Proven ability to manage multiple pursuits and meet demanding bid deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to estimating heavy civil highway construction projects.
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, schedules, and contractual requirements.
• Strong understanding of equipment production rates, labor productivity, and construction sequencing.
• Proven ability to manage multiple pursuits and meet demanding bid deadlines.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, or similar software platforms.
• Experience with Design-Build and alternative delivery projects.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage requirements, DBE participation goals, PennDOT ECMS, and federally funded contract requirements.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus but not required.

Desired Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to evaluate risk and make sound estimating decisions.
• Commitment to accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Results-driven with a commitment to delivering competitive, profitable estimates.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Primarily on-site role with time spent in the field and/or regional office.
• Work may involve exposure to construction site conditions, including heavy equipment, heights, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions.
• May require extended hours, night work, or weekend work based on project needs.
• Travel to project sites.

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and company vehicle.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.

Additional Information

• Compliance with company policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations is required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

J.D. Eckman, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.