Construction Assistant Project Manager

Aux Partners; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Aux Partners in Lenexa/Topeka, KS is seeking a Commercial Assistant PM/Estimator to own the bid process end-to-end and work with preconstruction, project management, and field leadership to deliver accurate, competitive estimates across multiple scopes.

This role welcomes recent graduates with 0-3+ years of estimating or relevant degrees and offers hands-on mentoring while leveraging AutoBid, Bluebeam, and other takeoff tools to read plans, price labor, and develop VE options.

Qualifications

• 0-3+ years of estimating experience in commercial mechanical, plumbing, or sheet-metal construction, or a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineer or Construction Science
• Working knowledge of commercial mechanical, plumbing, and sheet-metal systems
• Ability to learn estimating/takeoff software quickly; strong Excel skills
• Ability to read and interpret plans/specs and manage multiple bids simultaneously
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Source opportunities through GCs, owners/architects, plan rooms, bid services, and state/municipal channels
• Evaluate invitations based on backlog, staffing, strategic fit, and deadlines
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct job-site visits to understand scope
• Maintain current material/equipment pricing and verify labor rates and productivity factors
• Develop value-engineering options to protect budgets while maintaining performance
• Solicit, level, and evaluate vendor/subcontractor quotes for full scope coverage
• Coordinate with VDC/BIM and prefabrication teams to identify opportunities and resolve issues early
• Submit proposals on time and brief project managers on scope and budget after award
• Track win/loss outcomes and maintain historical cost data
• Stay current on code/regulatory updates (IMC/IPC 2024, ASHRAE 15/90.1, energy code, A2L refrigerants)

Skills

Estimating software

Excel skills

Read plans/specs

Bid management

Communication skills

Education

Architectural Engineer

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineer

Construction Science

Tools

AutoBid

FastPIPE/FastDUCT

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

AI-enabled tools

Job description

Recent college grads welcome!

Required degrees: Architectural Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineer or Construction Science

$75-100k

Offices: Lenexa, KS or Topeka, KS

The Opportunity

The Commercial Assistant PM/Estimator owns the bid process end‑to‑end. You’ll collaborate closely with preconstruction, project management, and field leadership to produce accurate, competitive estimates across multiple scopes. Your work sets the foundation for how every project is built.

This role suits someone who thrives on detail, deadlines, and managing multiple bids simultaneously — and who enjoys digging into plans, specifications, and vendor/subcontractor relationships to strengthen proposals.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Influence how the company wins work, with visibility into bid strategy and win/loss outcomes.
• Hands‑on mentorship for both experienced estimators and emerging professionals.
• Close partnership with project managers and field leaders — your estimates shape execution.
• A growing backlog and expanding regional footprint provide a steady pipeline of opportunities.
• Backing from a long‑standing, values‑driven organization with deep community roots.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Identification & Qualification

• Source opportunities through GCs, owners/architects, plan rooms, bid services, and state/municipal channels.
• Evaluate invitations based on backlog, staffing, strategic fit, and deadlines.
• Attend pre‑bid meetings and conduct job‑site visits to fully understand scope.
• Perform digital quantity takeoffs using AutoBid, FastPIPE/FastDUCT, On‑Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, and emerging AI‑enabled tools.
• Maintain current material/equipment pricing and verify labor rates and productivity factors.
• Develop value‑engineering options that maintain performance while protecting budgets.
• Solicit, level, and evaluate vendor/subcontractor quotes to ensure full scope coverage.
• Coordinate with VDC/BIM and prefabrication teams to identify prefabrication opportunities and resolve issues early.

Bid Assembly & Submission

• Build complete bids in estimating software and internal bid forms.
• Coordinate bonding requirements and utility service/fee details.
• Prepare clarifications, exclusions, assumptions, and escalation/price‑hold terms.
• Submit proposals on time and follow up until award decisions are made.
• Brief project managers on scope, assumptions, vendors, and budget upon award.
• Track win/loss outcomes and maintain historical cost data.
• Stay current on code/regulatory updates (IMC/IPC 2024, ASHRAE 15/90.1, energy code, A2L refrigerants, local requirements).

Qualifications

Required

• 0-3+ years of estimating experience in commercial mechanical, plumbing, or sheet‑metal construction, or a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineer or Construction Science
• Working knowledge of commercial mechanical, plumbing, and sheet‑metal systems.
• Ability to learn estimating/takeoff software quickly; strong Excel skills.
• Ability to read and interpret plans/specs and manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred

• OSHA 10/30 certification.
• Prior estimating, field, or project management experience (including internships).
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu and BIM/model‑based takeoff (Revit, Navisworks).
• Conceptual/design‑assist estimating experience in healthcare, higher education, or food processing.
• ASPE CPE certification or progress toward it; MCAA or similar training.
• Primarily office‑based with regular job‑site visits (active construction, uneven surfaces, ladders, weather exposure).