Description

Meridian Engineering is seeking a Heavy Civil Estimator or Senior Estimator to join its growing preconstruction team in the Southwest. This is first and foremost an estimating position focused on developing accurate, competitive estimates for heavy civil construction projects. The role is ideal for someone who wants to stay close to estimating while also having more visibility, collaboration, and influence than a traditional estimating seat may offer.

Unlike larger contractors where estimators may spend their careers focused only on producing bids, Meridian gives estimators the opportunity to work directly with executive leadership, collaborate closely with Operations, influence pursuit strategy, strengthen relationships within their market, and make a visible impact on the future of the company.

Whether you are an Estimator ready for the next step or a Senior Estimator looking for more ownership and influence, this opportunity offers a path to grow alongside the business while helping Meridian pursue the right work in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and surrounding markets.

Requirements

What You'll Do

Estimating & Preconstruction

Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, and contract documents.
Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare complete heavy civil estimates.
Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier pricing.
Develop bid strategies, pricing recommendations, scope narratives, clarifications, and exclusions.
Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, estimate reviews, and bid closeout efforts.
Coordinate closely with Operations during project pursuits to ensure estimates reflect realistic production, staffing, equipment, schedule, and constructability assumptions.
Participate in project turnover meetings and clearly communicate estimating assumptions, risks, scope gaps, and key bid decisions.
Capture lessons learned from completed work to improve estimating accuracy and future pursuits.

Market Awareness & Relationship Building

Develop and maintain relationships with owners, engineers, municipalities, mining clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
Stay aware of upcoming work opportunities within assigned markets.
Represent Meridian professionally through responsiveness, technical expertise, and market knowledge.
Participate in industry associations, networking events, and community activities when appropriate.

Operational Partnership

Partner with Project Management and Field Operations to improve constructability, project planning, and execution readiness.
Provide practical estimating insight that helps Meridian pursue profitable, executable work.
Support post-project reviews and continuous improvement between estimating, preconstruction, and operations.
Contribute ideas that strengthen Meridian’s growth, estimating processes, and long-term success.

Measurements of Success

Accurate, competitive estimates delivered on time.
Strong bid preparation, scope coverage, and pricing discipline.
Successful project pursuits and smooth handoffs from estimating to operations.
Strong collaboration with Operations, field leadership, and executive leadership.
Meaningful relationships and market awareness within assigned regions.
Continuous improvement in estimating quality, consistency, and pursuit strategy.
Growing contribution to Meridian’s long-term success.

Required Qualifications

3+ years of heavy civil estimating experience; 5+ years preferred for Senior Estimator-level candidates.
Strong knowledge of earthwork, underground utilities, grading, drainage, structural concrete, paving, and site development.
Experience preparing estimates for self-performing heavy civil construction work.
Experience with HCSS HeavyBid or comparable estimating software.
Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and deadline-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple pursuits while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Desire to work in a collaborative environment where estimating, operations, and leadership work closely together.
Construction industry relationships within Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, or surrounding Southwest markets.
Experience with Viewpoint Vista, Bluebeam, Agtek, On-Screen Takeoff, Bid2Win, ProEst, or other estimating/preconstruction tools.

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent field/industry experience.
Experience with public works, mining, industrial, infrastructure, transportation, water/wastewater, or large site development projects. Interest in growing beyond estimating into broader preconstruction, market, or leadership influence over time.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, technical ability, leadership potential, and market relationships. Estimator entry-level candidates are expected to fall in the $115,000-$145,000 range, while Senior Estimator-level candidates may fall in the $145,000-$175,000 range. Highly qualified candidates with leadership-level estimating experience may be considered above range. Meridian is also evaluating performance-based incentives for estimators who help identify, pursue, and secure profitable work. Specific incentive details can be discussed during the interview process.

Growth Opportunity

At Meridian, estimators are more than technical professionals. They are trusted partners in helping the company pursue the right work and build for long-term growth. As experience, leadership, and market knowledge develop, team members may have opportunities to pursue larger and more complex projects, mentor others, represent Meridian in their markets, and expand their influence throughout the organization.

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
Relocation assistance
Vision insurance