Senior Preconstruction Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Preconstruction Engineer to join our New Construction Mechanical Department. This role involves managing projects from early design through construction and permitting, ensuring a seamless transition between preconstruction and construction phases. You will play a key part in driving innovation to reduce waste and climate harm in the built environment while enhancing project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage conceptual estimates for new construction mechanical systems, ranging from basic narratives to detailed architectural plans.
• Support scope and budget management during the design and estimating phase, including risk and opportunity assessment.
• Partner with Project Managers to ensure a smooth handoff from preconstruction to construction.
• Protect and enhance gross margin potential on all assigned projects.
• Support the sales team in developing conceptual mechanical budgets and scope letters from early-stage plans.
• Participate in departmental initiatives to improve deliverable quality for internal and external clients.
• Maintain excellent communication with clients, delivering and managing estimates and budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Take initiative in personal development, seeking feedback and mentorship to advance conceptual estimating and preconstruction management skills.
• Support business development activities, including attending project interviews as needed.
• Apply McKinstry best practices and preconstruction processes to mitigate risks and ensure complete scope coverage.
• Utilize McKinstry technology platforms to track projects and maintain up-to-date historical databases and metrics.
• Collaborate with vendors and subcontractors to secure pricing input for projects under your direction.
• Write clear scope letters and narratives to delineate work and assist partners in ensuring full project scope coverage.
• Lead estimate reviews following McKinstry best practices, scheduling reviews at least one day prior to submission.
• Assume financial responsibility for projects in the preconstruction phase, including accurate and timely reporting to stakeholders.
• Review contracts, drawings, and specifications to address questions promptly.
• Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of materials and equipment.
• Monitor progress toward goals to anticipate and address potential issues.
• Coach and mentor project team members, developing staffing plans for labor and subcontractors.
• Act as a steward of McKinstry culture and lead project meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Three to seven years of experience in engineering, project management, or construction.
• Experience working for a General Contractor or Major Mechanical Subcontractor preferred.
• Basic estimating skills required; proficiency in conceptual estimating from minimal documentation is essential.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Understanding of accounting and financial management preferred.
• Proficiency with scheduling software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Suretrak preferred.
• PE, CPM, or LEED professional designations are a plus but not required.
• Completed OSHA 10 or 30 class preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage with low or zero deductible options and low out-of-pocket maximums.
• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Transgender-inclusive benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Pet insurance.
• “Building Good” paid community service time.
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
• Onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $36.48 - $61.97 per hour, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to medical, financial, and other benefits.