Preconstruction Engineer

Actalent; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

PTO

Job summary

Actalent seeks an experienced Preconstruction Manager/Estimator for HVAC projects based in Aurora, IL. The role focuses on interpreting plans, performing takeoffs, assisting with estimating and procurement, and coordinating with PMs, engineers, and field teams to ensure technically sound, on-schedule delivery.

The ideal candidate will have extensive HVAC preconstruction experience, PE licensure, and strong AutoCAD, load calculation, and documentation skills to support multifamily, commercial,

Qualifications

• 35+ years HVAC experience in preconstruction or estimating.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience performing ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs for construction projects.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for HVAC layouts and project documents.
• PE license with ability to stamp drawings.
• Strong communication and coordination with PMs, engineers, and field teams.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret HVAC and mechanical construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
• Perform ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs to support design, estimating, and construction.
• Develop quantity takeoffs and assist with estimating, budgeting, and procurement.
• Conduct HVAC load calculations to support proper sizing and design decisions.
• Review equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation for compliance with specs.
• Create and modify HVAC layouts using AutoCAD to support design and coordination.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to resolve issues.
• Prepare and review shop drawings for constructability and accuracy.
• Support various project types (multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, retail).
• Assist with design through construction to maintain schedules and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to share technical information.

Skills

HVAC experience

Load calculations

Reading drawings

Submittals review

Team coordination

Documentation accuracy

Ductwork takeoffs

PE stamping

Education

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Dropbox

Job description

Job Title: Preconstruction Manager/Estimator - HVAC

Job Description

The Preconstruction Manager plays a key role in supporting HVAC and mechanical construction projects from early design through construction. This position focuses on interpreting plans and specifications, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, assisting with estimating and material procurement, and contributing to accurate HVAC system design. The role works closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams to ensure projects are well-coordinated, technically sound, and delivered on schedule across multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail environments.

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 takeoffs to support project design, estimating, and construction activities.

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

• 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 standards.

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

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

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

• Support multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects through all phases of design and construction.

• Assist with project coordination from design through construction, helping to maintain schedules, meet project requirements, and support timely delivery.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to share technical information, clarify design details, and support field installation teams.

• Participate in occasional site visits in the greater Chicago area to take field measurements and verify existing conditions.

Essential Skills

• 35 years of experience within the HVAC industry in a preconstruction, project engineering, estimating, or closely related role.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical and HVAC construction drawings, blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.

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

• Ability to conduct HVAC load calculations to support system sizing and design requirements.

• Experience reviewing and processing equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation for compliance.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying HVAC layouts, drawings, and project documents.

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

• Strong technical aptitude and comfort working with email, Excel, and cloud-based file sharing tools such as Dropbox.

• Ability to coordinate effectively with project managers, engineers, and field teams to support project execution.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy in documentation, and commitment to meeting project schedules and requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a project engineer, preconstruction engineer, preconstruction manager, or estimator in the HVAC or mechanical construction industry.

• Background supporting multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects.

• Ability to adapt between design, estimating, and field coordination tasks as project needs evolve.

• Comfort working in a collaborative environment with project managers, CAD specialists, estimators, and field service teams.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Effective communication skills for interacting with internal teams and conveying technical information clearly.

• Interest in contributing to a stable, long-term team environment with a focus on loyalty and low turnover.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office setting in Aurora and is on-site five days per week. Typical working hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with weekends rarely required and generally only needed when project timelines are significantly behind. The position involves occasional travel to job sites in the greater Chicago area to take measurements and verify existing conditions. You will work alongside a close-knit team that includes a Professional Engineer, CAD specialist, project managers, a general manager, a business partner, a controller, and several estimators, supported by a broader workforce performing field service work. The culture emphasizes a family atmosphere, loyalty, and long-term team stability, with very low turnover and a leadership team that is hands-on and actively involved in projects and daily operations.

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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Aurora,IL.

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.