Preconstruction Engineer

Actalent; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Aurora, IL is seeking a Preconstruction Project Engineer focused on HVAC and mechanical construction. You will interpret blueprints, perform detailed takeoffs, and conduct HVAC load calculations to support accurate design and estimating.

The role requires coordinating with project teams, reviewing submittals, and drafting layouts using AutoCAD to ensure constructability across multifamily, senior living, and commercial projects.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in HVAC/preconstruction or design-focused roles.
• Ability to read mechanical/HVAC blueprints and specs.
• Experience with ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs.
• HVAC load calculations for proper sizing.
• Review submittals, shop drawings, and docs for compliance.
• Create/modify HVAC layouts using CAD software.
• Professional Engineer (PE) stamping capability.
• Attention to detail and collaboration with project teams.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret HVAC/MEP blueprints and contract docs.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for ducts, equipment, and materials.
• Assist with estimating, budgeting, procurement.
• Conduct HVAC load calculations.
• Review equipment submittals and shop drawings.
• Create/modify HVAC layouts and drawings.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and field teams.
• Support preconstruction for multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail projects.
• Help with design through construction to maintain schedules.

Skills

HVAC experience

Takeoffs

Load calculations

Submittals & shop drawings

AutoCAD

PE stamping

Team collaboration

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Preconstruction Project Engineer - HVAC/Mechanical Construction

Job Description

The Preconstruction Engineer plays a key role in supporting HVAC and mechanical construction projects from early design through construction. This position focuses on interpreting construction documents, performing detailed takeoffs and HVAC load calculations, preparing and reviewing shop drawings, and coordinating closely with project teams to ensure accurate design, effective estimating, and smooth project execution across multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail projects.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret HVAC and mechanical construction blueprints, specifications, and contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.

• Perform detailed ductwork, equipment, and material quantity takeoffs to support project design, estimating, and construction planning.

• Develop accurate quantity takeoffs and assist with project estimating, budgeting, and material procurement activities.

• Conduct HVAC load calculations to support proper system sizing and design decisions.

• Review and process equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation to verify compliance with project specifications and design intent.

• Create and modify HVAC layouts, drawings, and project documents using AutoCAD to support design and coordination needs.

• Prepare and review shop drawings to ensure constructability, accuracy, and adherence to project specifications and standards.

• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to support successful project execution and resolve design or constructability issues.

• Support multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects with preconstruction and design-related services.

• Assist with project coordination from design through construction, helping to ensure schedules are maintained and project requirements are met.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide technical insight, clarify design details, and contribute to project planning and execution.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience within the HVAC industry in a preconstruction, project engineering, or HVAC design-focused role.

• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical and HVAC construction blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.

• Hands-on experience performing ductwork, equipment, and material quantity takeoffs for construction projects.

• Proficiency in HVAC system design principles and HVAC load calculations for proper system sizing.

• Experience preparing and reviewing equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation for compliance with project requirements.

• Ability to create and modify HVAC layouts and drawings using AutoCAD or similar CAD software.

• Certified Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to stamp drawings.

• Comfort working with quantities, takeoffs, and construction documentation in a preconstruction environment.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with technical drawings, quantities, and calculations.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a project engineer in the HVAC or construction industry, with the ability to transition into a preconstruction-focused role.

• Tech-savvy and comfortable using email, Excel, and cloud-based storage tools such as Dropbox.

• Ability to review and stamp drawings as a Professional Engineer and provide engineering oversight.

• Familiarity with construction processes and project coordination from design through construction.

• Comfort working with CAD, drawings, blueprints, takeoffs, quantities, and submittals in a fast-paced project environment.

• Willingness to occasionally travel to job sites in the greater Chicago area to take measurements and support field coordination.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment in Aurora, with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekend work is not typical and would only occur if project demands require catching up. The position involves occasional travel to job sites in the greater Chicago area to take measurements and support project coordination. The office supports a collaborative, family-oriented culture with a focus on loyalty and long-term retention, reflected in a low turnover rate. The team in Aurora includes engineering, CAD, project management, estimating, operations, and administrative professionals, and the broader organization operates a fleet of service vehicles supporting field work. The environment is professional, team-focused, and centered on delivering high-quality HVAC and mechanical construction projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $57.69/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. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Aurora,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.