Sr. Estimator

About the Position 

We’re seeking a Sr. Estimator to support large, heavy-civil infrastructure programs—including highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and airport projects delivered through both traditional and alternative methods. Your primary focus will be developing accurate construction estimates, evaluating cost risks, and advising financial strategy for one of the most complex and visible projects in the region. You’ll collaborate closely with agency stakeholders and internal teams, using your technical know-how and clear communication style to influence decisions, flag issues early, and help keep the program on track. If you’ve worked on rail transit programs before, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.  

This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in Fresno, CA.  

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Develop project and construction estimates, schedules, and costs.   


• Responsible for cost escalation, orders of magnitude, cost of materials, labor rates, etc. 


• Serve as a point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring clear communication of project progress, issues, and solutions.  


• Provide regular project updates to stakeholders, including senior management and clients, highlighting project status, accomplishments, and potential roadblocks.  

Attributes 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (e.g., tact, diplomacy, influence, etc.), with the ability to effectively collaborate and interact with clients, team members, and stakeholders.  


• Exceptional organizational skills and supreme attention to detail.  


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  


• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience estimating and analyzing costs for complex design and construction projects, ideally in heavy civil or rail transit. 


• Strong knowledge of project controls, including scheduling, costing, estimating, and reporting, with the ability to evaluate cost and schedule impacts. 


• Demonstrated expertise in construction methods, materials, labor rates, and techniques relevant to heavy civil infrastructure, including cost escalation and order-of-magnitude estimating. 


• Familiarity with engineering/construction management practices, industry standards, and economic indicators to ensure accurate forecasting in current and future market conditions. 


• Proven ability to analyze detailed project data, synthesize findings, and make informed recommendations. 


• Experience supporting or coordinating project management teams, including coaching, influence, and collaborative engagement. 


• Prior experience working with government agencies and understanding of their processes and compliance requirements. 


• Experience with industry standard project and construction management software (e.g., Primavera P6, TILOS, MS Project, Bluebeam, RSMeans, etc.).


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying.  


• Active professional certifications such as CCE, CCEA, CCP, CEP, PSP (AACE); PMP or PMI-SP (PMI).  


• PE license in relevant jurisdiction(s).  


• Experience with large (>$500M), complex, heavy-civil infrastructure projects that include highways, roads, bridges, transit (including rail and bus), and/or airport projects. 


• Experience delivering projects through both traditional and alternative methods (e.g., DB, CM/GC, P3). 


• Experience in estimating roles supporting owners. 


• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software. 

Compensation Details 

The salary range listed for this role is $176k-$200k/year ($85-$96/hour). The final salary offered will be based on multiple factors and thoughtfully aligned with each candidate’s level of experience, breadth of skills, total education achieved, certifications/licenses that have been obtained, geographic location, etc. 

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!  

• Unlimited flexible time off  


• Paid holidays  


• Paid parental leave  


• Health, dental, and vision insurance  


• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)  


• Long-term disability insurance  


• Short-term disability insurance  


• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment 


• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution  


• Formal career planning and development program  


• $2,500 annually toward professional development  


• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend  


• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement  


• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian  


• Free personal financial planning services  


• Employee assistance program  


• Employee discounts  


• Employee referral bonus  

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS 

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster.

Please email [email protected] for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.