Project Engineer

About the role

JR Merit was founded in 1997 on the belief that merit—the quality of being good and worthy—is worth working for. Today, we’re a leading industrial and mechanical contractor delivering high-value solutions in complex infrastructure and manufacturing environments. As a union contractor with a collaborative, growth-oriented culture, we invest in people who want to build meaningful, long-term careers.

We’re growing and looking for motivated Project Engineers to join our team and support projects across our three operating divisions:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Specialty Projects
• Power Generation

Candidates will be considered for the Project Engineer I, II, or III levels and placed within the division that best aligns with their experience, technical expertise, strengths, and project needs. At JR Merit, you won’t just manage paperwork—you’ll help bring complex projects to life while gaining exposure to estimating, scheduling, cost management, field coordination, and project delivery. You’ll work with a team that values mentorship, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Gain

• Mentorship from experienced Project Managers and Operations leaders
• Exposure to estimating, scheduling, procurement, cost controls, and project delivery
• Opportunities to support highly technical industrial and mechanical projects
• A defined path for growth toward Project Manager and Operations leadership roles
• A collaborative environment where your ideas, initiative, and development matter

Responsibilities

As a Project Engineer, you’ll work alongside project and field teams to help plan, coordinate, track, and deliver successful work while building the technical and leadership skills needed for long-term career growth. Responsibilities include:

• Assist with various aspects of a project including quantity takeoffs, proposal development, project setup, accounting, procurement, production tracking, budget forecasting, risk management, safety, and quality
• Read plans and specifications and understand the desired final construction outcome
• Develop key relationships with proven subcontractors and actively participate in customer engagement
• Mentor and train others in areas of proficiency
• Develop and maintain fundamental project schedules utilizing scheduling software
• Support change management on projects
• Demonstrate clear and effective written communication with internal and external partners

Position Structure

• Project Engineer I: Ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals who are developing foundational skills in estimating, scheduling, procurement, project controls, field coordination, and project delivery
• Project Engineer II: Ideal for candidates with demonstrated construction project experience who can independently manage assigned project responsibilities, contribute to estimating and project controls, coordinate subcontractors, and support successful project execution
• Project Engineer III: Leads significant project functions, mentors junior team members, contributes to project financial performance, and applies advanced knowledge of estimating production factors, labor rate development, cost types/phases, and time-and-material rate structures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline
• Equivalent technical or industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with project teams, field teams, clients, and vendors
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, or related construction experience
• Interest in industrial, mechanical, or process construction
• Familiarity with construction drawings and specifications
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Exposure to Procore, Viewpoint, estimating software, or scheduling tools
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail
• Knowledge of estimating production factors (such as MCAA or work activity methods), labor rate development, cost types/phases, and time-and-material rate structures is preferred for Project Engineer II and III consideration

Work Environment & Travel

This position is based out of our corporate office in Vancouver, WA. Frequent travel or temporary relocation may be required to support JR Merit’s projects.

This role requires the ability to utilize, maintain, and wear all PPE as required by JR Merit, the client, and any other applicable regulatory agency or management directive.

At times, work may be performed at a job site where additional training, certifications, or clearances may be needed to comply with jobsite requirements.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds as needed
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Compensation

• Project Engineer I: $82,225–$90,850
• Project Engineer II: $91,000–$103,500
• Project Engineer III: $103,500–$115,000

Final compensation will be based on experience, leadership capabilities, technical expertise, and demonstrated project management success. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for travel-related incentives, per diem benefits for qualifying assignments, and enhanced earnings opportunities tied to project schedules. Depending on project assignment and work schedule, the Project Engineer may have the opportunity to earn approximately 25% to 50% above their annual base salary.

Benefits

• Discretionary merit bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision paid 100% by JR Merit for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays, including a floating holiday
• PTO program
• Long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Development Map and advancement opportunities