What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Estimator Heavy Civil position at S.E.T., Inc.?
About S.E.T., Inc.
S.E.T., Inc. is a growing heavy civil contractor specializing in highway, bridge, and infrastructure construction across Ohio and surrounding states. As a $100M contractor, we are focused on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and building strong internal systems to support long-term expansion.
We are seeking a Senior level Estimator who can contribute immediately and help us strategically build backlog with well-aligned, quality projects.
Position Overview
The Estimator will support project pursuit from initial opportunity review through final bid submission. This role requires both technical estimating skills and a practical understanding of how heavy civil work is performed in the field.
The right candidate understands that accurate pricing starts with understanding execution — production rates, crew build-ups, equipment spreads, sequencing, and field constraints.
You will work closely with leadership, operations, and project management to pursue and win profitable work.
Key Responsibilities
Opportunity Review & Backlog Development
- Monitor public and private bid platforms (ODOT, PennDOT, municipal, industrial)
- Identify and evaluate project opportunities aligned with S.E.T.’s capabilities
- Participate in go/no-go discussions
- Support development of a strategic bid pipeline
- Assist in tracking award rates and estimating performance metrics
Estimating & Bid Preparation
- Review plans, specifications, and addenda
- Perform quantity takeoffs
- Develop labor, equipment, and material pricing based on realistic production assumptions
- Analyze phasing, sequencing, and constructability considerations
- Prepare competitive unit price and lump sum bids
- Participate in internal bid review meetings
Subcontractor & Supplier Solicitation
- Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing
- Track and manage bid coverage
- Level and analyze subcontractor proposals
- Clarify scope inclusions and exclusions
- Support development of strong trade partner relationships
Risk & Margin Awareness
- Identify pricing risk and schedule impacts
- Support contingency planning
- Contribute to protecting project margin and company profitability
Bid-to-Operations Transition
- Participate in project handoff meetings
- Assist in aligning estimate assumptions with cost code budgets
- Provide clarification to project teams regarding pricing strategy
- Support change order pricing as needed
Qualifications Required:
- 5–7 years estimating experience in heavy civil or highway construction
- Strong understanding of field execution and production-based pricing
- Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Estimating Software
- Detail-oriented and analytical
Preferred:
- ODOT, PennDOT, or public infrastructure experience
- Field experience in heavy civil construction
- Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree
- Experience with estimating or ERP systems
What We’re Looking For
- An accomplished estimator with strong track record in Heavy Highway & Utility Projects, cost analysis, and leading estimating efforts from concept through award.
- Someone who understands both numbers and execution
- A team player who collaborates well with operations and leadership
- A disciplined estimator focused on building profitable backlog
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Health insurance
- Simple IRA / Employer match
- PTO & holidays
- Advancement opportunity as S.E.T., Inc. expands its Preconstruction Department
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
- Heavy Civil/Heavy Highway Estimating: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Lowellville, OH 44436 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $120,000