Preconstruction Project Manager (Data Center)

About the role

Jacobs’ Advanced Manufacturing group is seeking a proactive Preconstruction Project Manager to support Data Center projects across South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and future locations. The role bridges engineering design and construction, ensuring projects are planned, coordinated, and transitioned smoothly into construction while meeting timelines, budgets, safety, and quality expectations. The position is open to candidates at any U.S. location and may require up to 50 % travel.

Responsibilities

• Support the preconstruction team with bid package development, scheduling, estimating, virtual design and construction modeling, and reporting.
• Serve as a key contributor and knowledge base for overall design constructability and sequencing plans.
• Drive collaboration among design, procurement, scheduling, and construction teams.
• Understand client expectations and manage the client interface.
• Lead planning efforts, including strategy development and execution, to ensure efficient information flow.
• Conduct constructability reviews throughout all design phases, coordinating appropriate construction and trade resources.
• Support reviews of modularization and off‑site manufacturing studies.
• Assist with estimate and schedule development, recommending optimization opportunities and value‑driven solutions.
• Develop subcontracting and procurement strategies in partnership with construction management and procurement teams.
• Support the creation of 4‑D visualizations.
• Develop comprehensive site logistics plans, including utilities and off‑site requirements.
• Coordinate with Jacobs safety, quality, project services, and technical services groups to ensure thorough preconstruction planning.
• Prepare and maintain risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Build cooperative partnerships between clients, contractors, and stakeholders to resolve issues promptly and ensure project success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5 + years of experience managing construction projects for industrial and/or commercial facilities.
• Experience with 3D modeling software.
• Field construction experience on active construction projects.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Experience optimizing construction scheduling and sequencing.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50 % of working time, including extended periods at client sites, construction sites, fabrication facilities, and project offices across North America.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment across multiple time zones, balancing remote work with in‑person participation for meetings, workshops, design reviews, constructability reviews, and execution planning.
• Flexibility to support project needs outside the candidate’s local time zone.

Preferred qualifications

• Working knowledge of design and pre‑construction processes, building systems/components, contract management, project delivery methods, team building, and client relationship building.
• Advanced knowledge of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), architectural, civil, structural systems, or general building construction and maintenance.
• Familiarity with developing and updating project schedules from Level 1 through Level 4 detail.
• Proficiency with 3D/4D technologies such as BIM 360, Revit, CM Builder, or similar tools.
• Data Center experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with the option to purchase company stock at a discount.
• Eligibility to enroll in a deferred compensation plan or Executive Deferral Plan.
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) for full‑time salaried/exempt employees.
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave.
• Potential merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock awards for eligible roles.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $134,500 – $185,000, determined by work location, job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.