Project Engineer (Job Order Contract Construction Market)

Leopardo Construction is looking for a Project Engineer to join our busy Job Order Contract market in downtown Chicago. This role is ideal for candidates looking to learn and build their career in a fast-paced environment, gaining exposure to all facets of the construction industry.

About the role

As a member of the project management team, the Project Engineer assists and supports the Estimating, Project Management, and Field Operations Departments in planning, directing, and coordinating designated project activities to ensure all goals and objectives are met. This role will learn all facets of the construction process to allow progression to the position of estimator, project manager, or superintendent. The Project Engineer will participate in Leopardo’s structured training, including completion of assigned rotational learning plans, to gain a clear understanding of company policies, procedures, philosophies, and the overall construction process.

Responsibilities

• Project Management Support
  • Assist project management staff to monitor and achieve goals including overhead, profit, general conditions, self-performed trades, client satisfaction, and profit projections/job cost maintenance.
  • Monitor a detailed master construction schedule utilizing Asta. Track critical dates of all activities affecting project completion (Owner, Architect, Consultants, Contractor, Subcontractors, Municipalities, Equipment Suppliers, Site Due Diligence, etc.) and provide updates as required.
  • Obtain permits, insurance, and bonds. Review and process submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs. Follow up with architect/subcontractor to expedite approvals.
  • Establish, maintain, and update logs that meet company or owner’s specifications.
  • Coordinate and/or participate in pre-construction, weekly (e.g., OAC, MEP Coordination, Pre-installation), and post-construction meetings. Prepare meeting minutes, outline discussed items, assign responsibility, and set completion dates for open items.
  • Coordinate MBE/WBE compliance monitoring, updates, and reporting.
  • Negotiate with and procure subcontractors and suppliers. Generate subcontracts/purchase orders and review monthly applications for payment. Ensure BIM, LEED, and Design/Build subcontract language is included if necessary. Track subcontract status, insurance, and bonds.
  • Generate and maintain project documentation for BIM (Building Information Modeling). Conduct model mediation/clash detection.
  • Review LEED construction deliverables for LEED-seeking projects.
  • Determine subcontractor work completed to date and generate monthly billings/sworn statements to the owner.
  • Verify, price, and prepare change order documentation. Maintain a change order log to review weekly status.
  • Compile project completion closeout documentation, including as-built drawings, warranty letters, O&M manuals, and other required documents.
  • Ensure correct setup and maintenance of filing and archiving systems.
• Estimating Support
  • Assist estimating staff to develop bid strategies (competitive or negotiated/preconstruction).
  • Formulate accurate budgets. Review bid documents to create quantity take-offs using On-Screen. Develop RFIs as required. Conduct jobsite walkthroughs to verify field conditions.
  • Develop a list of qualified subcontractor bidders using invitation-to-bid software. Communicate with subcontractors to increase coverage if necessary.
  • Receive and analyze subcontractor bids as they relate to drawings, specifications, and scope of work using bid-day forms.
  • Prepare owner budget proposals after pursuing cost-saving alternatives and value engineering.
  • Participate in client presentations when required.
  • Take part in the preconstruction job turnover process.
• Field Operations Support
  • Assist field operations staff to procure materials and assemble/distribute a two-week look-ahead schedule coinciding with the detailed master construction schedule.
  • Maintain daily logs documenting job activities. Participate in subcontractor meetings to coordinate activities.
  • Initiate a project safety plan and monitor EH&S initiatives. Walk the jobsite daily to review conditions/progress and assist in completing audits, inspections, and daily logs.
  • Initiate a job-specific QC plan and monitor initiatives. Review plans and specs. Maintain construction documents on-site by logging drawings, sketches, and bulletins. Post and process ASIs, bulletins, CCDs, etc.
  • Participate in coordination and pre-installation meetings. Ensure final inspections and tests are timely.
  • Generate field documentation to assist the LEED Project Coordinator in final submission to approving authorities.
  • Manage self-perform trades and monitor budgeted versus actual costs for self-performed work.
  • Generate punch lists, determine responsible subcontractors for each item, and follow up to ensure timely completion.
  • Monitor and record project hiring requirements. Maintain daily and monthly records along with payroll certifications.
  • Work on-site and interact with clients, owner’s reps, or end users/unit owners as required by the project.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in construction, engineering, architecture, or related fields; or equivalent training and related experience.
• Prior industry experience as a Project Engineer or Intern preferred; field and/or estimating experience is a plus.
• Understanding of basic construction technologies such as scheduling software, financial comprehension, digital model navigation; ability to read and understand blueprints is required.
• Awareness of project management and accounting software; Viewpoint is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. OSHA 30 Hour certification and LEED GA accreditation are a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Vision program
• Short-term/long-term disability
• 401k with matching plan
• Generous PTO including paid holidays and volunteer PTO, time & donation matching
• Identity theft protection
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Group accident insurance, legal services, pet insurance, 529 College Savings Plan

Pay

Salary range: $70,000–$80,000. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.