Senior Estimator

Location: Houston, TX (On-Site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Vice President of Estimating and Pre-Construction

About Us:

At Rice Brothers, we are a full-service engineering, design, and build company specializing in delivering turnkey solutions for industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects. With a deep commitment to innovation, quality, and efficiency, we provide end-to-end project management—from initial concept and engineering to procurement, construction, and final commissioning.

Our team of industry experts, engineers, and construction professionals work closely with clients to develop customized solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Whether it's large-scale industrial facilities, EPC projects, or oil & gas infrastructure, we pride ourselves on delivering on-time, on-budget, and with exceptional precision.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for passionate and results-driven professionals to join our team and contribute to our legacy of excellence.

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Estimator to lead the development of accurate, competitive cost estimates for complex industrial construction projects. This role plays a key part in preconstruction strategy, risk assessment, and bid decision-making while providing mentorship to junior estimators and close collaboration with operations and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed, conceptual, and final cost estimates for large-scale industrial construction projects
• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, and contract documents to define complete project scope
• Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work
• Develop pricing strategies, contingencies, and risk assessments for competitive bids
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals and conduct scope leveling
• Analyze historical cost data, labor productivity, and market conditions to improve estimate accuracy
• Identify constructability issues, value engineering options, and alternative means and methods
• Prepare bid reviews, executive summaries, and formal estimate presentations for leadership
• Support bid/no-bid decisions and participate in pre-bid and post-bid meetings
• Lead project handoff meetings to ensure estimating assumptions are clearly communicated to project teams
• Assist with change order pricing, claims analysis, and post-project cost reviews
• Maintain and improve estimating systems, databases, and cost libraries
• Mentor, train, and review work of junior estimators and preconstruction staff

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent field experience)
• 8+ years of estimating experience in industrial construction (mechanical, piping, structural, civil, electrical, or process industries)
• Proven experience estimating large, complex industrial projects
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and labor productivity
• Advanced proficiency with estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Excel, Bluebeam, OST, Sage, HCSS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret contractual terms, scopes of work, and technical specifications
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EPC, heavy industrial, or plant/energy projects
• Familiarity with scheduling, cost control, and project execution strategies
• OSHA 30 and TWIC Card
• Experience supporting negotiated work, GMP, and cost-plus contracts

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office-based with periodic job site visits and pre-bid meetings
• Ability to work extended hours during critical bid periods
• Occasional travel as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Leadership growth and career advancement opportunities

Link to our Website:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110, $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person