Assistant Project Manager

Actalent; Aurora (IL); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Aurora, IL is seeking an Assistant Project Manager / Estimator for a hybrid, contract-to-hire role. The position blends project management and estimating duties, supporting both a Project Manager and an Estimator on overhead distribution projects, with a clear career path toward either discipline.

You will organize project documents, review bids, track field progress, prepare proposals, and coordinate with subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in project management, estimating, or construction coordination.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with construction software is a plus.
• Ability to read prints and takeoffs and interpret technical project documents.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain project documents, logs, timelines, and records with accuracy.
• Review bids, takeoffs, prints, and project details for completeness and accuracy.
• Assess subcontractor proposals and clarify scope of work as needed.
• Track field progress and report status to the project team.
• Support the Project Manager and Estimator with day-to-day PM and estimating tasks.
• Assist with scheduling, communication, and documentation.
• Contribute to bid proposals and change orders using spreadsheets and bid software.
• Support subcontractor coordination and ensure alignment with requirements.
• Utilize construction management and estimating tools to aid delivery.
• Help ensure overhead and utility distribution projects meet scope, schedule, and quality.

Skills

B.S. in Engineering

Construction management

2+ years experience

Excel proficiency

PM principles knowledge

Estimating experience

Read prints/takeoffs

Subcontractor coordination

Organization skills

Field progress reporting

Bid proposal preparation

Subcontractor management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

B2W Software

Asset Suite 8

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Project Manager / Estimator

Job Description: This role combines assistant project management and estimating responsibilities within utility construction, with a strong focus on overhead distribution projects. The person in this position supports both a Project Manager and an Estimator, helping to manage project documentation, timelines, and field progress while contributing to bid reviews and cost estimation. The role offers exposure to both project management and estimating, creating a clear career path toward either discipline.

Job Title: Assistant Project Manager / Estimator

Job Description

This role combines assistant project management and estimating responsibilities within utility construction, with a strong focus on overhead distribution projects. The person in this position supports both a Project Manager and an Estimator, helping to manage project documentation, timelines, and field progress while contributing to bid reviews and cost estimation. The role offers exposure to both project management and estimating, creating a clear career path toward either discipline.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain a high level of accuracy with project documents, logs, timelines, and related records.
• Review bids, takeoffs, prints, and other pertinent project details to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Assess subcontractor proposals and insert clarification items to align expectations and scope of work.
• Track progress of work in the field and report status updates to the project team.
• Directly support a Project Manager and Estimator with day-to-day project management and estimating tasks.
• Assist with project coordination activities, including scheduling, communication, and documentation.
• Contribute to the preparation of bid proposals and change orders using spreadsheets and bid software.
• Support subcontractor management efforts, ensuring clear communication and alignment with project requirements.
• Utilize construction management and estimating tools, including spreadsheets and asset management suites, to support project delivery.
• Help ensure utility distribution and overhead distribution projects adhere to scope, schedule, and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Construction Management.
• Utility construction experience with a specific focus on overhead distribution projects.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in project management, estimating, or construction coordination.
• Experience utilizing construction-related software or, at minimum, strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Foundational knowledge of project management principles within construction environments.
• Experience with construction estimating and bid proposal preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret prints, takeoffs, and other technical project documents.
• Strong organizational skills to manage project documents, logs, and timelines.
• Ability to track and report field progress in a clear and structured manner.
• Experience with subcontractor coordination or subcontractor management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with B2W Software is a plus.
• Experience with Asset Suite 8 is a plus.
• Background in utility distribution or overhead distribution construction is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with bid software and spreadsheet-based estimating tools.
• Knowledge of construction management and construction estimating processes.
• Ability to support change order preparation and documentation.
• Interest in developing a long-term career path in either project management or estimating.
• Motivation to learn under leadership that emphasizes development and mentorship.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, hard-working team environment with strong culture.

Work Environment

This is an in-office position based in Aurora, Illinois, working Monday through Friday on-site, with potential long-term flexibility to work from home on Fridays. The office is a stand-alone building with an open floor plan and managers offices around the perimeter, offering plenty of parking directly outside. The area provides convenient access to nearby food options. The environment is team-oriented, fun, and focused on hard work, professional growth, and mentorship, with strong culture and ample career development opportunities. Standard office attire is appropriate for this setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $40.87/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Aurora,IL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.