Preconstruction Engineer

PREMIER Design + Build Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

PREMIER Design + Build Group in Chicago, IL is seeking a Preconstruction Engineer to support estimating, document control, and pursuit coordination. You will help develop unit pricing, perform quantity takeoffs, and assist in assembling budget and proposal packages.

The role emphasizes accuracy, professional communication, and collaboration with design teams and subcontractors to position projects for success. This is a full-time role with benefits in a dynamic construction practice.

Qualifications

• Experience in preconstruction estimating and quantity takeoffs.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, and scheduling tools.
• Ability to coordinate with design teams, subs, and clients.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantity takeoffs in Bluebeam across assigned trades and scopes.
• Develop unit pricing and maintain historical cost data.
• Assist in assembling estimates and inputs for proposals.
• Support bid invitations and RFIs coordination and tracking.
• Maintain pursuit records and logs in the project management tool.
• Represent the team professionally in communications and meetings.

Skills

Estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Value engineering

Client coordination

Communication

Scheduling inputs

Documentation

Tools

Bluebeam

BuildingConnected

Monday.com

Excel

Job description

The Preconstruction Engineer is responsible for executing assigned preconstruction tasks, supporting document control, coordinating information, and assisting the pursuit team with the estimating, technical, and administrative workflows required to win and set up work. This role builds foundational knowledge of construction systems, estimating, design-build processes, communication standards, and PREMIER expectations.

Supervision & Oversight

• Reports to the Preconstruction Manager or assigned pursuit lead
• Supports Preconstruction Managers, Assistant Preconstruction Managers, and pursuit teams
• Work is reviewed and approved prior to release
• Does not have direct supervisory responsibility
• Expected to demonstrate leadership through ownership, professionalism, initiative, and support of the team

Core Responsibilities

Scope of Responsibilities

The responsibilities outlined below are representative of the core functions of this role but are not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may be added, modified, or reprioritized based on pursuit needs, company objectives, staffing levels, and operational demands.

1. Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs

• Perform quantity takeoffs in Bluebeam across assigned trades and scopes
• Develop unit pricing and maintain historical cost data
• Assist in assembling estimates and general conditions inputs
• Support value-engineering and alternate pricing as directed
• Check own work for accuracy before submitting for review
• Send and track bid invitations in BuildingConnected
• Follow up with subcontractors and vendors to secure full coverage and track RFIs
• Level individual trade bids to an apples-to-apples comparison for reviewMaintain bid, addenda, and RFI logs during a pursuit
• Communicate coverage gaps and deadline risks early
• Cross-reference specifications against drawings and flag scope gaps
• Gather site, utility, and jurisdictional information for a pursuit
• Draft assigned sections of scope narratives
• Assist with permit and utility research
• Develop understanding of how scope and site conditions drive cost and risk

4. Coordination & Administrative Support

• Maintain the pursuit in Monday.com and keep records current, complete, and organized
• Support design-professional coordination and follow-up communication
• Track pursuit deadlines and communicate potential impacts early
• Provide inputs to the preconstruction schedule
• Assist with assembling budget and proposal packages

5. Brand Ambassadorship & Professional Representation

• Represent PREMIER professionally in all communication, meetings, and documentation
• Demonstrate responsiveness, organization, and accountability that strengthens confidence in the pursuit team
• Support client, design-team, and subcontractor relationships through accurate information and professional follow-up
• Promote the PREMIER standard through personal conduct, ownership, and attention to detail
• Recognize that every interaction contributes to the company brand, future opportunities, and market reputation

Salary range $65,000.-$75,000. annual salary plus benefits.