What are the responsibilities and job description for the SENIOR ESTIMATOR position at LASAR Underground Construction?
LASAR Underground Construction has been a trusted leader in building telecommunications and utility infrastructure across California’s Central Valley for over 30 years. As a long-standing AT&T infrastructure partner, LASAR is known for tackling complex projects and delivering results that exceed client expectations. With a client roster that includes AT&T, CVIN, NextEra Energy, the California High Speed Rail Authority, and Con-Edison, LASAR offers a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where employees take pride in their craft. The Senior Estimator role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the company’s estimating function, working closely with leadership and field teams to drive LASAR’s continued success. This position is ideal for experienced professionals who want to make a tangible impact, contribute to team development, and help secure challenging, rewarding projects.
Responsibilities- Manage the full estimating process from bid identification through award, including take-offs, pricing, bid entry, submission, and post-bid review
- Interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and technical documents to prepare accurate and competitive estimates
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks to gather field data on materials, labor, access, and local conditions
- Identify and quantify cost factors such as production rates, equipment, subcontractors, and materials
- Maintain and update pricing, unit costs, and production benchmarks using HCSS HeavyBid
- Evaluate bid margins and profitability, supporting go/no-go decisions with company leadership
- Track open bids and pursue work that aligns with LASAR’s capabilities and growth strategy
- Lead project handoff meetings to transition awarded work to execution teams
- Assist in transferring bid data to field cost tracking systems and conduct post-award site visits to validate assumptions
- Participate in project reviews to continuously improve estimating accuracy
- Help build and mentor the estimating team as the function grows
- Develop and maintain a network of qualified subcontractors and suppliers
- Establish bid tracking processes and pipeline reporting for leadership
- Collaborate with the COO and Managing Director on long-term bid strategy and market positioning
- 7 years of construction estimating experience, with direct experience in underground utility construction (telecommunications, broadband, conduit, substructure, fiber, or related work)
- Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid as a primary estimating tool
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, specifications, and contract documents
- Working knowledge of city, county, and municipality standards and permitting requirements
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills, with comfort in production-based estimating
- Ability to travel to jobsites throughout the Central Valley and California as needed
- Experience working within or alongside a structured estimating team at a utility contractor (preferred)
- Familiarity with HCSS HeavyJob and field cost tracking (preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred)
- Experience with CPM scheduling tools such as MS Project or P6 (preferred)
- Familiarity with AT&T, telecom carrier, or public agency project requirements (preferred)
Salary : $120,000 - $150,000