
Senior Estimator
S.E.T., Youngstown, OH, United States
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:
57 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 Were 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