CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

AAA Engineering, Ltd.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AAA Engineering, Ltd. in Chicago seeks a seasoned Construction Manager to oversee all phases of complex programs, driving schedule, safety, quality, and budget. You will lead field operations, coordinate with GC and subcontractors, and ensure alignment with milestones across multi-discipline teams.

The role requires 10+ years in commercial construction, strong MEP knowledge, and excellent communication. This position emphasizes proactive risk management and stakeholder engagement to deliver

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction management experience on commercial projects.
• Experience with GC and subcontractor coordination.
• Delivery of large-scale projects in the $100M–$500M range.
• Strong MEP knowledge and data-center/mission-critical experience.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain progress.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily field operations and align with project schedules and milestones.
• Drive a safety-first culture across all trades and partners.
• Manage GC & subcontractor performance; lead coordination meetings.
• Oversee cost reviews, change orders, contracts, and plan of record.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, operations, and commissioning teams.
• Identify risks early and develop mitigation or recovery plans.
• Provide stakeholder updates and maintain communication rhythms.
• Build relationships across teams and sustain morale.

Skills

Construction Management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Safety culture

Education

B.S. in Construction Management or Engineering

OSHA 30

NFPA 70E

PMP/PMI certification

Tools

MicroStation

Job description

Company Description

AAA Engineering, Ltd. is a premier mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and construction services engineering firm focused on the transportation, transit, and building sectors. Based in Chicago, our team of 40 professionals provides services across Chicagoland. We are prequalified by the Illinois Department of Transportation for Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, Typical Lighting, and Construction Inspection. Our expertise includes specialized design services for Traction Power and Moveable Bridges. Noteworthy projects include the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line Extension, the CTA Damien Green Line Station, the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway, and the award-winning Chicago River Walk.

Role Overview

The Construction Manager will oversee all phases of a complex construction program—driving schedule, quality, safety, and budget performance. This role requires strong decision-making, excellent communication, and deep technical knowledge of large commercial projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily field operations and ensure alignment with project schedules and milestones
• Drive a strong safety-first culture across all trades and partners
• Manage GC & subcontractor performance; lead daily coordination meetings and site walks
• Oversee cost reviews, change orders, contracts, and Plan of Record compliance
• Collaborate closely with design, engineering, operations, and commissioning teams
• Identify risks early and develop mitigation or recovery plans
• Provide clear stakeholder updates and maintain strong communication rhythms
• Build positive relationships across teams and maintain high morale

Required Experience

• 10+ years of Construction Management experience (commercial required)
• Proven track record working with or within General Contractor organizations
• Experience delivering large-scale projects ($100M–$500M preferred)
• Strong MEP knowledge and experience with mission-critical or data center facilities
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive under pressure and drive continuous forward progress

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• OR 10–15 years of equivalent CM experience
• OSHA 30 (Required) – must be completed prior to assignment
• NFPA 70E (Required) – may be provided depending on project availability
• PMP/PMI certification preferred

Typical Day in This Role

• Morning: GC coordination meeting, site walks, addressing immediate constraints
• Midday: Cross-functional discussions, reviewing metrics & schedules, cost oversight
• Afternoon: Risk mitigation planning, stakeholder updates, team engagement
• End of Day: Leadership syncs, documentation updates, next-day planning

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Engineering or Construction Management
• 10-20 years of construction experience
• Illinois PE license or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Certified in IDOT's Documentation of Contract Quantities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with IDOT, CDOT and/or Illinois Tollway projects

Preferred Qualifications

• MicroStation experience a plus
• Involvement in professional societies such as ACEC, ASCE, IRTBA or APWA among others is a plus.
• Experience in projects with Transit Agencies such as CTA, Metra, and or Pace
• Experience with the construction oversight of multidisciplinary projects where ITS and/or electrical components are installed