Preconstruction Manager - Mechanical (Data Center)

Jacobs; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 135,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

PPTO

7 paid holidays

Caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a senior mechanical engineer or construction manager to support nationwide data center projects with up to 50% travel, preferably near a U.S. office.

The role involves resolving constructability issues, optimizing schedules and costs, coordinating cross-discipline reviews, and managing vendor submittals. Requires 8+ years mechanical or 15+ years construction experience and a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent construction experience.
• Minimum 8 years in mechanical engineering or 15 years in construction management.
• Understanding of construction means, methods, codes and standards.
• Experience interpreting mechanical drawings and specifications for construction.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in resolving in-progress design and constructability concerns related to engineering drawings and specs.
• Identify opportunities for schedule and cost savings from existing design or modularization.
• Identify trade partners for early contractor engagement during design phase.
• Coordinate cross-discipline evaluation of mechanical scope for construction sequencing.
• Identify long lead risks related to site restrictions or fabrication timelines and align with schedule.
• Develop and review construction bid packages based on design for contractor award.
• Coordinate across stakeholders for full WBS development and scope understanding.
• Review Vendor Data Requirement submittals during design phase for constructability impacts.

Skills

Leadership

Construction management

Mechanical engineering

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

Revit

ACC

Bluebeam

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This job opportunity is available at ANY location in the United States. The selected candidate will support ongoing Data Center projects in South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas and future locations with up to 50% travel required. Ideally, selected candidates will be near a JACOBS U.S. based office, but we intend to hire the \"best\" candidates.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance in resolving in-progress design and constructability concerns, discrepancies or disputes related to technical interpretation of engineering drawings and specifications.
• Using your construction experience to identify opportunities for schedule and cost savings based on existing design, or potential modularization capabilities of the industry
• Identify trade partners to be involved in early contractor engagement through design phase.
• Organizing cross-discipline evaluation of mechanical scope in regards to construction sequencing and ability for build out
• Identifying risks for long lead construction activities related to site restrictions or fabrication timelines and synchronizing those with the design and construction schedule for delivery
• Working with internal project teams to fully develop and review construction bid packages based on design for contractor award.
• Coordinate across stakeholders for full construction work breakdown structure development certifying comprehensive understanding of complete scope.
• Assist with reviews of Vendor Data Requirement (VDR) submittals during design phase for constructability and impacts to issued packages.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Minimum 8 years experience working in Mechanical engineering or 15 years experience in construction management for industrial construction projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent construction experience, including certified technical training
• General understanding of construction-oriented means, methods, codes and standards
• Experience interpreting mechanical engineering design drawings and specifications for construction purposes
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Leadership Experience
• Large Project Experience
• Construction Field Experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related project management systems
• Expertise in Mechanical Equipment Commissioning/Start Up
• Data Center Experience
• Technical sufficiency in Revit, ACC, Bluebeam and other project related programs

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $134,500.00 to $185,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on September 22, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.