Construction Project Engineer I - College Campus Application

Pepper Construction Group; Barrington (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepper Construction Group in Illinois is seeking a Project Engineer I to join our project management team. You will work with a Project Manager and Superintendent to run projects from start to finish, gaining exposure to both field and office work, from budgets and contracts to submittals and closeouts.

The role emphasizes customer satisfaction, cost control, planning, and schedule management, with responsibilities including value engineering, subcontractor bids, buyouts, and ensuring safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering or related field is required.
• 0–2 years of experience with a General Contractor or in the field of construction.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail oriented.
• This is an in-person position in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Ensure customer satisfaction by identifying and exceeding client needs.
• Estimate, value engineer and develop project budgets.
• Facilitate the subcontractor bid process.
• Negotiate subcontractor and material buyout; develop and negotiate subcontracts.
• Plan and schedule projects.
• Manage jobs in progress, including subcontractor coordination, conflict resolution, documentation and ensuring quality and safety on every job.
• Manage project costs through ongoing evaluation of labor, material and equipment; forecast and analyze costs, exposures and profits through project completion.
• Perform project closeout.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Teamwork

Detail orientation

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Job description

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands‑on approach of a local company.

Job Title: Project Engineer I

Location: Illinois

Company Overview

Pepper Construction Group is a general contracting and construction management firm that has served the non‑residential, private, and government sectors since 1927. Our project management and field supervisors are dedicated to serving the unique needs of every customer, with a strong focus on building relationships that endure throughout the generations. Our expertise is recognized throughout the Midwest. With offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, Pepper ranks as the third‑largest contractor in the Midwest and the nation's 64th‑largest contractor (ENR Magazine).

Pepper leads the construction industry with an energy and ambition uncommon today. We seek out new methods and technologies that support your vision in a practical way, and we apply our nearly 100 years of expertise to ensure the precision, quality and confidence that come from working alongside a partner dedicated to performance.

Every building starts with a solid foundation; it’s people. At Pepper, we create leaders at every level and generate momentum in every market we serve by rewarding new thinking and respecting the long‑standing values that have made our company unique for generations. You'll see the impact of our leadership in everything we do - from the Preconstruction work we deliver to the decisions we make in the field to the relationships we form and keep fresh for years to come.

As a family‑owned and operated company, we take building personally.

Position Summary

Pepper’s Project Management staff is responsible for the overall direction, completion and financial success of construction projects. Whether it’s pricing the job, procuring product or scheduling, Project Management drives the construction process. They are also responsible for maintaining effective relationships with clients, architects and subcontractors. Project Management positions begin at the Project Engineer level for those just entering the field.

You will be working with an experienced Project Manager and Superintendent to run projects from start to finish. You will be responsible for working with a Project Team and attending job site/owner meetings while gaining exposure to both field and office situations. You will work with a Project Manager and Superintendent on everything from budgets and contracts to submittals and close‑outs. You will also be a part of company training sessions, jobsite tours and safety meetings. You could be the future of Pepper.

As a Project Engineer, you will work closely with an experienced Project Manager and Superintendent to:

• Ensure customer satisfaction by identifying and exceeding client needs.
• Estimate, value engineer and develop project budgets.
• Facilitate the subcontractor bid process.
• Negotiate subcontractor and material buyout; develop and negotiate subcontracts.
• Plan and schedule projects.
• Manage jobs in progress, including subcontractor coordination, conflict resolution, documentation and ensuring quality and safety on every job.
• Manage project costs through the ongoing evaluation of labor, material and equipment; continue to forecast and analyze construction costs, exposures and profits through project completion.
• Perform project closeout.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering or related field.
• 0 – 2 years of experience with a General Contractor or in the field of construction
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Detail oriented
• This is an in‑person position in Illinois

The salary for this position is $85,000. Pepper Construction is dedicated to offering our employees a comprehensive and best‑in‑class benefits package that prioritizes their physical, financial, and emotional well‑being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, a generous 401k match, and a student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days, Pepper offers fully paid medical and parental leave, mental health services, and more.

For additional information, visit www.pepperconstruction.com/careers

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.