Project Engineer (Engineer III)

Join the award‑winning Building Design and Construction Division (BDCD) of Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). The position is located in the Building Construction Branch, Capital Facilities, at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia, and serves as a construction manager overseeing all phases of construction contract administration for new construction and renovation projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed constructability reviews of plans and specifications prepared by architectural and engineering firms.
• Review construction budgets, ensure timely completion, and maintain overall quality of assigned projects.
• Evaluate pre‑qualification requirements for prospective bidders, analyze safety records, conduct pre‑bid meetings, prepare final bid documents, issue contract awards, and lead pre‑construction meetings.
• Review and approve contractor payments, assess proposed change orders, prepare cost estimates, negotiate change orders, review shop drawings, ensure timely RFI responses, and issue field orders, RFPs, and CCDs.
• Perform onsite quality‑control inspections to verify conformance to construction documents and coordinate with all stakeholders during construction.
• Evaluate and track CPM schedules prepared and updated by the contractor.
• Assist in claim avoidance, contract dispute negotiation, and resolution.
• Coordinate project close‑out activities, including punch lists, training, O&M manuals, as‑built drawings, bond releases, end‑of‑warranty inspections, and final completion.
• Participate in selection advisory committees, value‑engineering studies, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET‑accredited college or university in the appropriate engineering or architectural field.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in the appropriate engineering or architectural field.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in construction management tasks such as reviewing plans & specifications, schedule analysis, cost control, QA/QC, safety management, communication & reporting, and construction contract administration.
• Three or more years of experience in construction contract administration of complex building and major public‑works projects.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of construction schedules, schedule logic, and scheduling software; familiarity with construction claims and mitigation.
• Proven proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Project or Primavera scheduling software.
• At least two years of experience with local, federal, and state building and site‑development codes.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential.
• Certificate in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license (required).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hear normally to recognize backup alarms on construction equipment.
• Ability to produce handwritten and typed documents.
• Capability to safely climb construction ladders up to 15 feet or more per floor and navigate stairs in multi‑story buildings.
• Ability to negotiate rough terrain and typical construction sites.
• All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

• Defined‑benefit retirement plan.
• Medical, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
• LiveWell Program promoting holistic wellness (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial).
• Comprehensive benefits package supporting a healthy work‑life balance.