Construction Manager – Mechanical Engineer (Plumbing) - Site Lead

SteerBridge; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SteerBridge seeks a Construction Manager – Mechanical Engineer (Plumbing) for the Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities in Washington, DC. The role requires leading plumbing/HVAC topics as owner’s representative through planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering degree (ABET) and 6+ years of related experience, with PE and security clearances preferred. This is a full-time, onsite position at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering with plumbing systems.
• Working knowledge of local, state, federal VA design criteria, building codes, life safety codes.
• Experience interpreting construction drawings, specs, calculations, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common construction management, scheduling, and document management software.
• Eligibility to obtain a Public Trust Clearance and VA PIV badge.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Government's owner’s representative for plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical building systems throughout all phases of assigned construction projects.
• Provide engineering and construction management support during project planning, design review, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout activities.
• Review plans, specifications, statements of work, RFIs, change requests, cost estimates, and other technical documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Evaluate field conditions and identify constructability issues, quality concerns, code compliance deficiencies, and project risks.
• Coordinate with VA staff, architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain progress.
• Monitor project progress through site inspections, document deficiencies, track corrective actions, and verify compliance.

Skills

Experience

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

Construction management software

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Overview

The Construction Manager – Mechanical Engineer (Plumbing) (CM-MP) provides specialized mechanical engineering and construction management support for a diverse portfolio of construction, renovation, infrastructure modernization, utility, and facility improvement projects at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities. Serving as the Government's owner’s representative for plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical systems, the CM-MP provides technical guidance throughout the planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout phases of projects within an active healthcare environment.

The CM-MP applies sound engineering judgment to evaluate project documentation, assess constructability, identify technical risks, ensure compliance with applicable local, state, federal, and VA design standards, and support the successful delivery of projects. Working collaboratively with VA personnel, architects, engineers, contractors, and multidisciplinary stakeholders, the CM-MP helps facilitate project execution while minimizing disruption to patient care, hospital operations, and ongoing medical services.

Mode

• This is a full-time, onsite position. Location for this position is: Washington DC VA Medical Center 50 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20422
• Employees are expected to report to the designated work location during scheduled work hours.
• Any required travel is the employee's responsibility and is not compensated unless otherwise required by applicable law.
• The company does not provide a company vehicle. Employees must use their own transportation when travel is required.

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as the Government's owner’s representative for plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical building systems throughout all phases of assigned construction projects.
• Provide engineering and construction management support during project planning, design review, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout activities.
• Review plans, specifications, statements of work, submittals, Requests for Information (RFIs), change requests, cost estimates, and other technical documentation for accuracy, constructability, and compliance with contract requirements.
• Evaluate field conditions and identify constructability issues, quality concerns, code compliance deficiencies, and potential project risks, providing practical engineering recommendations to facilitate project success.
• Coordinate with VA staff, architects, engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and other project stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain project progress.
• Participate in project planning activities, including phasing reviews, site investigations, value engineering efforts, schedule reviews, budgeting support, and constructability assessments.
• Monitor project progress through routine site inspections, documenting deficiencies, tracking corrective actions, and verifying compliance with approved plans, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Support commissioning, testing, startup, system performance verification, owner training, and project closeout activities to ensure successful turnover of mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Assist in evaluating proposed changes, schedule impacts, cost implications, contractor claims, and engineering solutions related to plumbing and mechanical systems.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, inspection records, field reports, and as-built information in accordance with VA requirements.
• Ensure all plumbing, HVAC, and associated mechanical systems comply with applicable VA design criteria, federal, state, and local codes, industry standards, and facility operational requirements.
• Perform all duties with consideration for patient safety, infection control, continuity of healthcare operations, and the unique challenges associated with construction within an occupied medical facility.

Reporting Relationships

• Direct administrative report: Regional Manager.
• Operational direction: Government Contracting Officer’s Representative.
• Day-to-day supervision: Task Order Lead, providing onsite and remote oversight as applicable for assigned Task Orders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering with demonstrated expertise in plumbing systems, including both engineering design and construction.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems applicable to commercial, institutional, or healthcare facilities.
• Working knowledge of applicable local, state, federal, and VA design criteria, building codes, life safety codes, and construction standards.
• Experience interpreting construction drawings, specifications, engineering calculations, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common construction management, scheduling, and document management software.
• Eligibility to obtain a Public Trust Clearance and Veterans Affairs PIV badge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting construction projects within occupied healthcare facilities or other mission-critical environments.
• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Familiarity with VA design standards, Technical Information Library (TIL), Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), NFPA standards, and applicable Joint Commission requirements.
• Experience with commissioning, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), constructability reviews, and project closeout activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities while working independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports, field observations, meeting minutes, and engineering recommendations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically capable of conducting routine inspections and site walks throughout active construction environments.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders (as applicable), and access various areas of construction sites for extended periods.
• Ability to work in mechanical rooms, utility spaces, and other industrial or construction environments.
• Must be able to safely navigate uneven terrain, confined work areas, and changing site conditions.
• May occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and other job-specific safety equipment. The company provides required PPE; employees are responsible for providing steel-toed footwear, which is eligible for a one-time reimbursement in accordance with company policy.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Site Lead Responsibilities (Additional Duty)

In addition to serving as the Construction Manager – Mechanical Engineer (Plumbing), this position will also function as the designated Site Lead for the assigned project. The Site Lead serves as SteerBridge's primary on-site representative and the Regional Manager's direct representative at the project site, providing day-to-day leadership and coordination for SteerBridge personnel. Responsibilities include maintaining comprehensive awareness of project status, proactively identifying and communicating risks, coordinating closely with the Government Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), supporting project execution, mentoring team members, ensuring timely completion of administrative requirements such as timekeeping and leave coordination, and fostering strong working relationships with the VA, contractors, and project stakeholders. The Site Lead is expected to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate initiative and accountability, communicate significant project developments promptly, and serve as SteerBridge's trusted representative while promoting exceptional customer service and successful project delivery.

$140,000 - $150,000 a year

A salary is commensurate with years of experience.