Preconstruction Engineer

Scull Construction Service, Inc.; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Health Insurance - Standard or HSA

Dental and Vision Insurance

401K and Profit‑sharing

Life Insurance

AFLAC Options

Employee Discount Program

Training & Development Opportunities

Job summary

Scull Construction Service, Inc. is seeking a Preconstruction Engineer to join our Rapid City team. This entry‑level role offers a clear development path from assisting estimators to owning estimates and bids for diverse commercial projects.

You will learn through mentors, work on bid packages, cost reports, and coordination with subcontractors, while gaining exposure to regional market conditions and project planning.

Qualifications

• Degree in construction management or related field preferred; practical experience considered.
• Ability to read and interpret basic construction drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel; estimating or CM software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and navigate construction drawings and specs across commercial projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for self-perform work and subcontractor scopes.
• Assist in preparing estimates and bids, moving toward ownership of projects.
• Develop material pricing with suppliers for estimates and budgets.
• Coordinate with subcontractors to solicit pricing and clarify scope.

Skills

Read construction drawings

Written and verbal communication

Multi-tasking

Detail oriented

Education

Construction management degree

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Construction management software

Job description

Scull Construction Pre-Construction Engineer

Job Description

Job Summary:

Scull Construction is seeking a Preconstruction Engineer to join our Preconstruction team in Rapid City, South Dakota. This is a career-track position designed for individuals who are early in their construction industry journey and are motivated to develop into well-rounded preconstruction professionals. The Preconstruction Engineer will work directly with estimators and preconstruction managers, gaining hands‑on experience across estimating, bid coordination, subcontractor relations, and project planning.

This position follows a structured development path with defined competency levels and expanding responsibility over time. Candidates who demonstrate drive, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn will find a clear road to increased ownership of estimates, client relationships, and project delivery.

Job Type: Full Time

Pay:

• Depends on experience
• Paid weekly via direct deposit
• Paid Time Off
• Employer‑Sponsored Group Health Insurance - Standard or HSA Plan
• Flexible Health and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
• Company Paid Life Insurance Policy
• Supplemental Life Insurance Options for Employee and Family
• 401K and Profit‑sharing Bonus
• AFLAC Insurance Options
• Nationwide Employee Discount Program
• Apprenticeship and Development Opportunities

What You'll Do:

As a Preconstruction Engineer at Scull, you will be an active participant in the preconstruction process from day one. Responsibilities grow as your skills develop, and will ultimately include:

• Read, interpret, and navigate construction drawings and specifications across a range of commercial project types.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for self-perform work and subcontractor trade scopes.
• Assist in the preparation of estimates and bids, progressing toward sole responsibility for projects of increasing size and complexity.
• Manage and procure material pricing from suppliers for use in estimates and budgets.
• Communicate with subcontractors via phone, email, and in‑person to solicit pricing, clarify scope, and build relationships.
• Vet and level subcontractor quotes for scope completeness and accuracy.
• Write and distribute meeting agendas and minutes for preconstruction and coordination meetings.
• Assist in preparing bid packages, front‑end construction management bid manual documents, and subcontractor scope templates.
• Support the development of job cost reports and schedules of values.
• Contribute value engineering ideas and constructability input during design and budgeting phases.
• Develop an understanding of regional market conditions, labor rates, and production benchmarks.
• Analyze historical estimates and job cost data to improve future estimate accuracy.
• Participate in business development activities and client‑facing meetings as experience grows.

Scull's Preconstruction Engineer role is built around a structured competency development framework. New team members work alongside experienced preconstruction professionals with a dedicated mentorship focus. Advancement through the program is based on demonstrated skill and increasing independence, not tenure alone. The path leads to full ownership of complex estimates and bids, client and subcontractor relationship management.

Position Expectations:

• Demonstrate curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding how buildings are designed, estimated, and built.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and follow through on commitments to the team.
• Accept and apply feedback from mentors and senior staff; be coachable and consistent.
• Communicate proactively — flag issues early, ask the right questions, and keep the team informed.
• Approach every task, including foundational ones, with professionalism and attention to detail.
• Maintain a positive, collaborative attitude with colleagues, subcontractors, and clients.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

• A degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field is preferred; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• Some exposure to commercial construction through coursework, internship, or field experience is a plus but not required.
• Ability to read and interpret basic construction drawings; formal training in plan reading is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel; experience with estimating or construction management software is a plus.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational habits.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a pre‑employment drug/alcohol screening and random employee pool drug/alcohol testing
• Must have a valid driver's license

Disclaimer

This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Scull Construction Service, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.