CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

AAA Engineering, Ltd. is a premier mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and construction services engineering firm focused on the transportation, transit, and building sectors. Based in Chicago, our team of 40 professionals provides services across Chicagoland. We are prequalified by the Illinois Department of Transportation for Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, Typical Lighting, and Construction Inspection. Our expertise includes specialized design services for Traction Power and Moveable Bridges. Noteworthy projects include the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line Extension, the CTA Damien Green Line Station, the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway, and the award-winning Chicago River Walk.

About the role

The Construction Manager will oversee all phases of a complex construction program—driving schedule, quality, safety, and budget performance. This role requires strong decision-making, excellent communication, and deep technical knowledge of large commercial projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily field operations and ensure alignment with project schedules and milestones
• Drive a strong safety-first culture across all trades and partners
• Manage GC & subcontractor performance; lead daily coordination meetings and site walks
• Oversee cost reviews, change orders, contracts, and Plan of Record compliance
• Collaborate closely with design, engineering, operations, and commissioning teams
• Identify risks early and develop mitigation or recovery plans
• Provide clear stakeholder updates and maintain strong communication rhythms
• Build positive relationships across teams and maintain high morale

Requirements

• 10+ years of Construction Management experience (commercial required)
• Proven track record working with or within General Contractor organizations
• Experience delivering large-scale projects ($100M–$500M preferred)
• Strong MEP knowledge and experience with mission-critical or data center facilities
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive under pressure and drive continuous forward progress
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field or 10–15 years of equivalent CM experience
• OSHA 30 (Required) – must be completed prior to assignment
• NFPA 70E (Required) – may be provided depending on project availability
• PMP/PMI certification preferred
• B.S. degree in Engineering or Construction Management
• 10-20 years of construction experience
• Illinois PE license or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Certified in IDOT's Documentation of Contract Quantities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with IDOT, CDOT and/or Illinois Tollway projects

Preferred Qualifications

• MicroStation experience
• Involvement in professional societies such as ACEC, ASCE, IRTBA or APWA
• Experience in projects with Transit Agencies such as CTA, Metra, and/or Pace
• Experience with the construction oversight of multidisciplinary projects where ITS and/or electrical components are installed

Typical Day

Morning: GC coordination meeting, site walks, addressing immediate constraints
Midday: Cross-functional discussions, reviewing metrics & schedules, cost oversight
Afternoon: Risk mitigation planning, stakeholder updates, team engagement
End of Day: Leadership syncs, documentation updates, next-day planning