Project Engineer I

Company Overview

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper provides clients the experience and resources of a national company combined with the hands‑on approach of a local company. The firm leverages nearly 100 years of expertise to deliver precision, quality, and confidence, creating leaders at every level and rewarding new thinking while respecting long‑standing values.

Position Summary

Pepper’s Project Management staff drives the overall direction, completion, and financial success of construction projects. As a Project Engineer, you will work closely with an experienced Project Manager and Superintendent, participating in all phases from budgeting and contracts to submittals and close‑outs, while attending job‑site and owner meetings and gaining exposure to both field and office environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure customer satisfaction by identifying and exceeding client needs.
• Estimate, value engineer, and develop project budgets.
• Facilitate the subcontractor bid process.
• Negotiate subcontractor and material buyouts; develop and negotiate subcontracts.
• Plan and schedule projects.
• Manage jobs in progress, including subcontractor coordination, conflict resolution, documentation, and ensuring quality and safety on every job.
• Manage project costs through ongoing evaluation of labor, material, and equipment; forecast and analyze construction costs, exposures, and profits through project completion.
• Perform project closeout activities.
• Attend job‑site/owner meetings, training sessions, job‑site tours, and safety meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field (strongly preferred; liberal arts majors welcome).
• 0–2 years of experience with a general contractor or in the construction field.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail‑oriented.
• In‑person position based in Wisconsin.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Student loan repayment benefit.
• Paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days.
• Fully paid medical and parental leave.
• Mental health services and additional wellness resources.