Lead Estimator – Federal & Commercial Construction- MD
Job role overview
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Date posted
May 7, 2026
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Hiring location
Capitol Heights
Description
Lead Estimator
A fast-growing federal general contractor with 20+ years of experience delivering secure, mission-critical projects is seeking a Lead Estimator to take over their estimating division. This firm specializes in highly technical federal work, including interior renovations, design-build modernization, mechanical/electrical scopes, and secure facility construction for agencies such as GSA, FBI, NAVFAC, USACE, State Department, and more. The company is in a major growth phase, fueled by new large federal IDIQs and a strong multiyear backlog. This role offers the unique chance to step into leadership quickly, build a department, and directly shape the company's continued expansion.
The Lead Estimator will oversee all preconstruction and estimating activities, with a clear path to leading the entire division within six months. You'll build structure, introduce best practices, mentor junior estimators, and support a team currently composed of project managers who also perform estimating duties-including an estimator stationed on a major Pentagon program. Key Responsibilities
- Lead all estimating and preconstruction functions across a diverse federal and commercial portfolio
- Own estimates for renovation and design-build projects ranging from $1M-$50M+
- Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing estimating department
- Manage subcontractor outreach, pricing reviews, and bid strategies
- Ensure accurate use of federal estimating tools and cost databases
- Collaborate with operations leadership, business development, and federal clients
- Support strategic expansion into new self-perform capabilities
- Develop repeatable processes and standardization for a scaling organization
MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.
The Successful Applicant
- 10+ years of general contractor experience (GC background required; strong sub experience considered)
- Strong experience in both preconstruction and estimating
- Proven experience estimating federal and/or commercial renovation and design-build projects
- Expertise in projects valued $1M-$50M
- A robust subcontractor network, especially in the DMV region
- Experience with RSMeans or federal estimating software
- U.S. Citizenship
- Federal project estimating experience (GSA, NAVFAC, USACE, State Dept., NASA, etc.)
- Strong electrical trade/subcontractor understanding
- Background working in secure, mission-critical, or high-complexity environments
What's on Offer
- Base Salary: $175,000-$200,000
- Performance-based bonus program
- 2 weeks PTO + federal holidays
- 401(k) match
- Comprehensive healthcare package
- and much more
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