Assistant Preconstruction Manager

U.S.-Engineering-; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 83,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus

Health/dental/vision plans

Retirement matching

529 plan match

Job summary

U.S. Engineering is seeking an Assistant Preconstruction Manager to support early project development, focusing on scope, budgeting, and scheduling. You will coordinate with design teams, review mechanical and plumbing designs, and prepare detailed cost estimates for design-build and design-assist projects.

The role involves leading budget development, supporting risk analysis, and ensuring alignment with client goals and company standards. Travel to job sites is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent technical training in a relevant field.
• Experience with budgeting, cost estimates, and design review processes.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the (Senior) Preconstruction Manager in scoping, budgeting and scheduling.
• Review design documents for system, cost, coordination and schedule impacts.
• Assist in design-build and design-assist projects to align with client goals.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Multi-tasking

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Construction Science/Management

Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering

Tools

Bluebeam

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Do you believe no challenge is too complex to solve? You’ll fit right in at U.S. Engineering. We deliver award-winning mechanical contracting, construction, service, and maintenance solutions with a focus on performance and innovation. Our team of skilled and collaborative professionals drives every project from preconstruction through final testing, always aligned with our clients’ goals.

The Assistant Preconstruction Manager supports the (Senior) Preconstruction Manager in overseeing the early stages of project development, focusing on scope, budgeting, and scheduling to ensure successful project execution. This role involves coordinating with design teams, reviewing mechanical and plumbing system designs, preparing detailed cost estimates, and supporting the management of design-build and design-assist projects to align with client goals and organizational standards.

Principal Duties and Accountabilities:

• Identify opportunities for future projects and network internally and externally to pursue such opportunities.
• Lead conceptual budgeting with quantity take-offs, preconstruction tools, and pivot table analysis.
• Review design documents (drawings, specifications, addendums, etc.) for evaluation of system, cost, coordination, and schedule impacts with a high level of detail. Communicate impacts to project Operations team as necessary to ensure overall project schedule is maintained.
• Has a clear understanding of the entire project lifecycle and can assist project team where needed, including alternate pricing, value engineering, etc. Serve as a resource for Estimating, Virtual Construction, Operations, and Field team members with design and pricing support throughout project construction.
• Participate in creatively developing solutions to optimize project strategy and design development to maximize project profitability.
• Manage the creation of budget estimates utilizing the PD Pricing sheet and the definition of project scope despite incomplete design details. Continuously update preliminary estimates as the design evolves, identifying and tracking scope changes via a trend log.
• Participate in all internal project team meetings through the preconstruction phase. May act as lead on small projects, driving coordination with internal project team.
• An active participant in USE safety culture on the jobsite. Participate in regular safety policy refresher courses.
• Assist in coordination of project operations startup, including budget development, equipment logs, and material matrices.
• Assist the Operations team with quote scope review and lead time management, ensuring procured material and equipment items meet the requirements set by the system, project specifications, and building codes.
• Contribute to the creation and upkeep of internal pricing references and tools.
• Assist with the design-build process and coordination of engineers and design partners throughout design development.
• Partner with Operations team on project pursuits by contributing to scope and design reviews, budget development, proposal development, risk analysis, and interview preparation for all assigned projects.

Job Scope:

• Scope of work may vary, from working on one project, a portion of a larger project, or several smaller size projects.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and perform most tasks without direct instruction, typically focused on a 1‑week to 3‑month time horizon.
• Oversee $1-5MM worth of revenue annually.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Science/Management, or Architectural Engineering preferred.
• Equivalent technical training and related experience will be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Clear understanding of how our key mechanical and plumbing systems work, the components, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Intermediate knowledge of construction technology, processes, and standards.
• Competent with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.), Bluebeam, and estimating software.
• Intermediate understanding of project management principles and business acumen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building professional relationships.
• Team‑oriented with a collaborative and innovative spirit.
• Excellent organizational skills and proactive problem‑solving abilities.
• Self‑motivated and results driven.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Eagerness to learn, adapt to changing priorities, and embrace new challenges.

Physical and/or travel demands:

• Routine driving to project sites required. Work will be done in a combination of office and jobsite environments.
• Travel to, temporary assignment, or relocation may be required based on project needs and locations.
• Physical demands include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, bending, kneeling, and lifting. Position includes sitting and standing, use of telephone, keyboard, and computer monitor.

Benefits and Compensation:

• The range for this position has been established at $83,070.00 - $113,000.00 per yearand is US Engineering’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of the posting. The compensation offered to the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
• Your total compensation will go beyond the number on your paycheck. Team members are eligible for a year‑end bonus based on company and/or individual performance as well as paid time off. An industry‑leading benefits package including health, dental, and vision plans, matching retirement contributions, and matching 529 contributions all add to your bottom line.

U.S. Engineering is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and shall provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer‑employee relations, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. U.S. Engineering is compliant with the Drug Free Workplace Act, and all offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a pre‑employment drug screen. #IND Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.