Estimator, Engineering, Civil Engineering

American Pile & Foundation LLC is a leading specialty contractor in the Northeast, providing foundation solutions including pile driving (H-piles, pipe, concrete, timber), drilled foundations (caissons, augercast, micropiles, anchors), sheeting & shoring, ground improvement, grouting, and load testing. With a commitment to safety, technical excellence, and exceptional client collaboration, we serve public and private sector clients with innovative, economical solutions. ()

The Estimator is responsible for generating accurate, competitive, and comprehensive construction cost estimates for foundation and specialty structural projects. This role requires detailed quantity takeoffs, preliminary design review, coordination with internal teams, client engagement, and effective use of estimating tools such as HCSS. The Estimator will support business growth through high-quality proposal development, bid presentations, and pre-bid engagement with clients and vendors.

Location will be Somerville, NJ or Ramsey, NJ (with travel to client sites and jobs throughout the Northeast)

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports for foundation, pile driving, drilling, sheeting & shoring, and related civil scopes.
• Conduct preliminary engineering design and coordination with internal engineering teams to define constructible solutions and pricing bases.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates that reflect labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and project risks using HCSS estimating software.
• Solicit, evaluate, and compare vendor and subcontractor quotations for materials, equipment hire, and specialty services.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and subs to ensure timely pricing and reliable delivery assumptions.

• Interact with clients during the bid process, including walk-throughs and pre-bid meetings to clarify scope, gather information, and build rapport.
• Attend site visits to assess existing conditions, verify assumptions, and refine estimates.
• Support proposal presentations and bid follow-throughs, responding to client questions and providing additional documentation as needed.

• Write and assemble professional proposals, including scopes of work, cost breakdowns, exclusions, and value-engineering alternatives.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, and project management teams to validate assumptions and risk allocations in final submissions.

• Work closely with estimating, engineering, safety, and project management teams to ensure alignment of assumptions, constructability, schedule implications, and design intent.
• Assist in development of cost databases and estimating standards to improve accuracy and efficiency for future bids.

• Contribute to client relationship building by providing responsive communication, technical insight, and support throughout the bidding and negotiation phases.
• Participate in strategic discussions to enhance pricing strategies and market competitiveness.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Focus, Construction Management or related field preferred.
• Proven experience estimating for deep foundations, drilled shafts, pile driving, or heavy civil construction.
• Proficiency with HCSS estimating software; familiarity with other industry tools a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
• Comfortable with client interaction, site visits, and pre-bid meetings.
• Team-oriented, proactive, and detail focused.