Job detail
Cost Estimator
OCG Companies
Southfield, Michigan, United States
Job description
Job Title: Heavy Civil Cost Estimator - Flat Work & Underground
Location: Bloomfield Twp
Company: OCG Companies
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
OCG Companies is seeking a Heavy Civil Cost Estimator / Bid Specialist with direct underground utility construction experience to support our expanding portfolio of municipal and public infrastructure projects throughout Southeast Michigan.
This role is designed for professionals with hands-on exposure to sewer, water main, storm drainage, and flatwork restoration who understand how projects are built in the field and how that translates into accurate, competitive bids.
You will play a critical role in winning work, shaping bid strategy, and supporting OCG's continued growth in the municipal infrastructure market.
This position is specifically intended for experienced heavy civil and underground utility professionals.
Build What Matters. Win What Counts.
Projects You Will Estimate
Underground water main systems
Sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure
Flatwork and surface restoration
Municipal and public works infrastructure projects
Green infrastructure and utility-related civil improvements
Key Responsibilities
Perform complete quantity takeoffs from civil drawings, specifications, and contract documents
Develop unit-based, production-driven estimates aligned with field means and methods
Identify and pursue bid opportunities through municipal bid portals and procurement platforms
Evaluate opportunities to ensure alignment with company strategy, capacity, and risk profile
Analyze the competitive landscape, maintaining insight into competitor capabilities, pricing trends, and market positioning
Break down estimates into labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, overhead (SG&A), and margin
Collaborate closely with operations, superintendents, and field leadership to validate assumptions and production rates
Incorporate historical cost data and crew performance metrics into pricing models
Prepare, review, and submit complete and compliant municipal bid packages
Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, databases, and workflows
Required Qualifications
- Proven estimating experience in heavy civil or underground utility construction (REQUIRED)
- Strong working knowledge of municipal and public works bidding processes
- Ability to read and interpret civil plans, profiles, utility plans, and specifications
- Solid understanding of production rates for excavation, pipe installation, backfill, and restoration
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (cost modeling, formulas, lookups, pivot tables)
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines
Preferred Qualifications
Field experience in underground utilities, flatwork, or municipal infrastructure construction
Familiarity with estimating software, digital takeoff tools, or bid management platforms
Exposure to AI tools, automation, or data analytics in estimating, pricing, or workflow optimization
Experience estimating work for Michigan municipalities or public agencies
Why Join OCG Companies
High visibility role with direct impact on company growth and backlog
Opportunity to work on large scale municipal infrastructure projects
Ability to influence bid strategy, pricing approach, and estimating standards
Collaborative environment with strong field to office alignment
Growing, fast paced organization offering career advancement opportunities
About OCG Companies
OCG Companies is a Detroit-based infrastructure services company specializing in underground utilities, restoration, and municipal support. With over 250,000 completed jobs, we are one of Michigan's leading utility service providers.
Company Description We are a Detroit based, company that has been serving businesses and communities alike for 26 years. Having completed over 250,000 jobs, we fully understand the unique needs of municipalities and the utility industry.We specialize in hard and soft surface restoration, trucking, forestry, and many other complementary services. Through our excellent customer service and continual growth, we have transitioned into one of the largest utility servicing companies in Michigan.
Please visit our website at : Company Description We are a Detroit based, company that has been serving businesses and communities alike for 26 years. Having completed over 250,000 jobs, we fully understand the unique needs of municipalities and the utility industry. We specialize in hard and soft surface restoration, trucking, forestry, and many other complementary services. Through our excellent customer service and continual growth, we have transitioned into one of the largest utility servicing companies in Michigan. Please visit our website at :