Lead Bridge Estimator – Lead pre-construction estimating and bid strategy for major DOT and structural bridge infrastructure projects.
Job Overview
- Company: Catts Construction Inc
- Salary/Pay Rate: $120,000 - $150,000 per year, depending on experience
- Location: Bedford, OH
- Job/Employment Type: Full Time
- Project Scope: DOT, Heavy Highway, and Structural Bridge Infrastructure
The Opportunity
Catts Construction Inc is seeking a Lead Bridge Estimator to take ownership of estimating and bid development for major structural bridge projects throughout Ohio and surrounding regional markets.
This role is designed for an experienced estimator who understands the complexity of DOT bridge construction and can step in with limited training beyond learning Catts Construction's internal processes.
You will lead the development of competitive, accurate bids for projects ranging from smaller bridge and rehabilitation work to multi-million-dollar DOT infrastructure projects. You will work closely with project managers, field leadership, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure each estimate reflects real-world production conditions and protects project margins.
How You Will Make an Impact
- Lead complete estimating and bid development for structural bridge and related DOT projects.
- Perform accurate quantity take-offs from civil, structural, and bridge construction drawings.
- Build detailed project estimates and bid strategies using HCSS HeavyBid or comparable estimating software.
- Analyze labor, materials, equipment, production rates, subcontractor pricing, project schedules, and risk factors.
- Review DOT plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents for bid requirements and potential exposure.
- Develop competitive pricing strategies while maintaining appropriate project margins.
- Solicit and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotes.
- Identify project risks, constructability concerns, and scope gaps before bid submission.
- Participate in site visits, pre-bid meetings, bid reviews, and internal turnover meetings.
- Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and field personnel to validate production assumptions and equipment requirements.
- Assist with bid transitions, change-order pricing, RFIs, force accounts, and other estimating support as needed.
- Maintain organized estimating records, historical production data, and cost information to improve future bid accuracy.
- Help evaluate which opportunities best align with the company's capabilities and strategic goals.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in heavy civil, heavy highway, structural bridge, or closely related infrastructure construction.
- Direct bridge estimating experience is strongly required for candidates targeting the stated $120,000–$150,000 compensation range.
- Demonstrated experience building complete estimates for DOT or public infrastructure projects.
- Strong knowledge of bridge construction methods, concrete operations, structural scopes, project sequencing, and related field production.
- Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid or similar heavy-civil estimating software.
- Strong capability performing material and quantity take-offs from complex civil and structural plans.
- Working knowledge of Department of Transportation specifications, bid requirements, and contract documents.
- Ability to evaluate labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and production costs.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, negotiation, and deadline-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of complex bids from initial review through submission.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- 10+ years of estimating experience involving structural bridge or major DOT infrastructure projects.
- Direct experience with Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects and specifications.
- Experience estimating bridge work for West Virginia DOT or other state DOT agencies.
- Advanced proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid and familiarity with HeavyJob.
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- Previous project management or field leadership experience within bridge or heavy-civil construction.
- Experience estimating projects ranging from smaller rehabilitation work through large multi-million-dollar bridge contracts.
- Existing familiarity with major Ohio and regional heavy-civil contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Compensation Calibration
The anticipated salary range is $120,000–$150,000 per year, depending on direct bridge-estimating experience, project complexity, and overall technical depth.
- Candidates closer to the lower end of the range should already have meaningful bridge or DOT estimating experience.
- Candidates at the upper end should be seasoned bridge estimators capable of independently leading complex bids with minimal technical training.
- Candidates coming primarily from project management or adjacent heavy-civil estimating backgrounds may still be considered, but compensation will depend on the depth of their direct bridge-estimating experience.
Work Environment & Relocation
- Position is primarily office-based in Bedford, Ohio, with occasional travel for project site visits, pre-bid meetings, and other project-related needs.
- The role is expected to be approximately 95% office-based.
- Catts Construction is open to considering strong candidates from outside the immediate Northeast Ohio market.
- Relocation or temporary housing support may be considered for exceptional candidates based on experience and individual circumstances.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range of $120,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Weekly pay cycle with performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
- 401(k) retirement savings program with employer matching and safe harbor options.
- Comprehensive health insurance package including medical, voluntary dental, and voluntary vision.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) option along with life and disability insurance coverage.
- Paid Time Off including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Travel support and per diem when applicable for qualifying project travel.
- Professional development through safety, technical, and industry certification training.
- Company mentor training program.
- Tech package including a company tablet or smartphone.
- Team-building company events throughout the year.
About Us
Catts Construction Inc is a civil general contractor specializing in heavy highway, municipal, underground, concrete, and structural bridge infrastructure. Our bridge division performs significant DOT work throughout Ohio and West Virginia, including projects for ODOT and West Virginia DOT.
Based in Bedford, Ohio, Catts Construction provides long-term career stability, challenging infrastructure work, and a collaborative environment where experienced team members have a direct impact on which projects we pursue and how those projects are executed.
Catts Construction Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
