Preconstruction Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Coakley & Williams Construction; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-matched 401(k)

Paid time off and holidays

Performance-based bonuses

Wellness program

Job summary

Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC in Bethesda, MD seeks a detail-oriented Preconstruction Engineer to support our team with cost estimates, risk analysis, and bid preparation for profitable projects.

The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or related field, proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam, and strong communication and organizational skills to coordinate bids and subcontractor activity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate, self-motivated, and dedicated to delivering high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction Support
• Assist in securing new work that aligns with profitability goals while identifying and mitigating project risk.
• Collaborate with estimating/preconstruction team to achieve department goals.
• Participate in bid pursuits and preconstruction assignments as directed by leadership.
• Review and interpret drawings, specs, addenda, and project documentation.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and surveys to support cost estimates.
• Prepare scopes of work, bid packages, and value engineering recommendations.
• Develop and maintain bid lists and support subcontractor solicitation efforts.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for completeness, coverage, and risk.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

Job description

Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC

Preconstruction Engineer

Main Office (Bethesda, MD)

Full Time

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 a year

Open Date: 08/28/2026

Are you passionate about construction planning, estimating, and helping win projects before the first shovel hits the ground? Coakley & Williams (CWC) are seeking a detail-oriented Preconstruction Engineer to support our preconstruction team in delivering accurate cost estimates, identifying project risks, strengthening subcontractor partnerships, and helping secure profitable work.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction Support
• Assist in securing new work that aligns with company profitability goals while proactively identifying, mitigating, and accounting for project risk.
• Collaborate with members of the estimating and preconstruction team to achieve departmental goals and support successful project pursuits.
• Participate in bid pursuits and preconstruction assignments as directed by leadership.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and project documentation.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and quantity surveys to support conceptual and detailed cost estimates.
• Prepare scopes of work, bid packages, estimate clarifications, and value engineering recommendations.
• Develop and maintain bid lists and support subcontractor solicitation efforts.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for completeness, competitiveness, scope coverage, and risk.

Market & Risk Analysis

• Evaluate assigned trades and provide risk assessments and pricing recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain knowledge of construction market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and cost escalation factors.
• Develop an understanding of local subcontractor capabilities, strengths, performance history, and market reputation.
• Apply sound judgment when selecting subcontractors for bidding opportunities and when incorporating subcontractor pricing into estimates.

Relationship Management

• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with subcontractors to support future project opportunities and competitive bidding efforts.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with subcontractors, vendors, project partners, and internal stakeholders throughout the preconstruction process.

Process & Technology

• Manage one or more core estimating functions, including but not limited to:
• Subcontractor database management
• Document storage and organization
• Bid document compilation and distribution
• File labeling and hyperlinking
• Bid invitation and addenda distribution
• Document tracking and reporting

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate, self-motivated, and dedicated to delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to perform duties in a digital and paperless environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED Accreditation preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to high-profile commercial construction projects from concept through award.
• Gain hands-on experience in estimating, preconstruction strategy, value engineering, and risk management.
• Work with an experienced and collaborative construction team.
• Build long-term relationships within the subcontractor and construction community.
• Develop technical, operational, and leadership skills that support future career growth within preconstruction and construction management.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Individuals in this role should be able to reach above and below, stoop, bend, sit, walk, and stand for extended periods as needed. The position may require lifting, carrying, or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds. Employees may be exposed to construction sites, heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and varying weather conditions. A minimum of 40 hours per week is required. Work schedules may vary based on project demands and may occasionally include evenings, weekends, or extended hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the Maryland Wage Transparency Law, the base salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000 annually.

• health, dental, and vision coverage; an employer-matched 401(k); paid time off and holidays; performance-based bonuses; a wellness program; and other voluntary benefits and leave types.

JT26