Entry-Level Project Engineer

Actalent; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Project Engineer for an onsite, entry-level role in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will work with experienced project teams on commercial construction, focusing on data center projects. The position offers hands-on training, mentorship, and growth toward project management responsibilities.

You will handle project documentation and coordination, learning to manage schedules, budgets, and QA/QC while developing HVAC terminology understanding in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction management or project coordination in commercial settings.
• Experience with RFIs, submittals, change orders, QA/QC records.
• Ability to manage schedules and productivity tracking.
• Basic understanding of HVAC terminology.
• Ability to read construction drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Manage project documentation (RFIs, change orders, ASIs, submittals, QA/QC) with accuracy and timely distribution.
• Coordinate jobsite logistics for material deliveries and site paperwork.
• Assist with project estimating and budgeting, including PO tracking and subcontract administration.
• Collaborate with subcontractors, vendors, customers, and internal teams to maintain progress.
• Maintain and update project schedules and productivity tracking to identify risks or delays.
• Attend project meetings and support day-to-day coordination from planning to closeout.
• Support QA/QC processes and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Apply basic HVAC knowledge to interpret requirements and assist coordination.

Skills

Construction management

Project coordination

Scheduling

HVAC basics

Reading drawings

Communication

MS Office

Multiple priorities

Learn quickly

Job description

Job Title: Project Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer

Exciting entry-level opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in construction project management! This role offers hands-on training and mentorship in the rapidly growing data center industry while working alongside experienced project teams on complex commercial construction projects. No data center experience is required. We're looking for a motivated, organized individual who is eager to learn, grow, and develop the skills needed to advance into future project management opportunities.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Manage project documentation, including RFIs, change orders, ASIs, submittals, QA/QC documentation, and supplemental design information, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely distribution.
• Coordinate jobsite logistics such as material and equipment deliveries and required site paperwork to support smooth and efficient field operations.
• Support project estimating and budgeting activities, including preparation and tracking of purchase orders and subcontract administration.
• Collaborate with subcontractors, vendors, customers, and internal project teams to resolve issues, maintain clear communication, and keep work progressing according to plan.
• Maintain and update project schedules, productivity tracking, and other project controls to monitor performance and identify potential risks or delays.
• Attend project meetings and contribute to day-to-day project coordination from initial planning through project execution and closeout.
• Assist with QA/QC processes by organizing documentation and supporting adherence to project quality standards.
• Apply basic understanding of HVAC systems and construction terminology to interpret project requirements and support technical coordination.

Essential Skills

• Experience in construction, construction management, or project management within commercial construction environments.
• Hands-on experience with project coordination and project documentation, including RFIs, change orders, submittals, and QA/QC records.
• Ability to manage project scheduling and productivity tracking using established project controls.
• Basic understanding of HVAC systems and construction-related terminology.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under deadlines in a fast-paced jobsite environment.
• Strong willingness to learn technical concepts quickly and adapt as project needs change.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting data center or mission-critical projects is beneficial.
• Familiarity with QA/QC processes and documentation standards in construction.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when handling multiple streams of project information.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite at a data center facility within a commercial construction setting. The work environment is fast-paced and technically complex, requiring close coordination with field teams, subcontractors, and vendors. The Project Engineer spends time in both office and jobsite areas, working with project documentation, schedules, and controls while supporting day-to-day construction activities. Standard business productivity tools such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook are used regularly. The role involves navigating active construction zones, attending project meetings, and adapting to evolving project needs in a mission-critical environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $40.86/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.

• 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 Cedar Rapids, IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cedar Rapids,IA.

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.

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.

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.

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.