Project Engineer

Novak Construction Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Company-paid travel home every other+

Job summary

Novak Construction Company is seeking Traveling Project Engineers to support commercial construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.

You will serve as a central hub for project communication, coordinating between field operations, project management teams, subcontractors, and owners to keep work moving efficiently and accurately and to help ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent construction experience.
• Experience with RFIs, submittals, document control, and construction administration.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and construction management software.
• Willingness to travel and work onsite nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Review contracts, drawings, specs, and project requirements.
• Support planning, budgeting, estimating, procurement, and scheduling.
• Coordinate communication among project teams, owners, architects, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, and project docs.
• Review documents for constructability, quality, and compliance concerns.
• Assist with subcontractor buyout, procurement, and vendor coordination.
• Track project costs, budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Track project progress with photos and maintain documentation.
• Administer and process subcontractor change orders.
• Schedule and participate in project meetings.
• Maintain accurate project records and document control.
• Monitor project progress and help resolve issues impacting scope, schedule, or budget.
• Support project closeout activities, including final documentation, warranties, and turnover requirements.
• Promote compliance with company safety, quality, and ethical standards.

Skills

Travel flexibility

Project coordination

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Construction management software

Job description

Novak Construction Company is seeking Traveling Project Engineers to support commercial construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. You will serve as a central hub for project communication, coordinating between field operations, project management teams, subcontractors, and owners to keep work moving efficiently and accurately and to help ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience on high-profile commercial projects while building a path toward Project Manager or Superintendent roles. We believe the best project leaders build a strong foundation in the field. This role provides hands-on experience throughout all phases of construction, helping you develop the skills needed to successfully oversee projects from start to finish. After 1-2 years in the field, many of our Traveling Project Engineers transition into office-based roles and continue advancing their careers with Novak.

About Us

We area nationally recognized general contractor and construction management firm dedicated to bringing clients' visions to life. With projects spanning more than 30 states, we deliver complex retail, healthcare, industrial, hospitality, institutional, and mixed-use developments through a commitment to quality, safety, collaboration, and client service. At Novak, our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment where employees are empowered to make an impact, grow professionally, and contribute to high-profile projects across the country. Our commitment to quality, innovation, safety, and accountability creates opportunities for long-term career development and success.

Why Project Engineers Choose Novak

• Direct exposure to all phases of project delivery
• Mentorship from experienced Project Managers and Superintendents
• Clear path for advancement into Project Management
• Opportunity to work on large, high-profile projects
• Collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Consistent pipeline of work and professional growth

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret contracts, drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Support project planning, budgeting, estimating, procurement, and scheduling activities.
• Coordinate communication between project teams, owners, architects, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, and project documentation.
• Review documents for constructability, quality, and compliance concerns.
• Assist with subcontractor buyout, procurement, and vendor coordination.
• Track project costs, budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Track project progress with photos and maintain documentation.
• Administer and process subcontractor change orders.
• Schedule and participate in project meetings.
• Maintain accurate project records and document control.
• Monitor project progress and help resolve issues impacting scope, schedule, or budget.
• Support project closeout activities, including final documentation, warranties, and turnover requirements.
• Promote compliance with company safety, quality, and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent construction experience.
• Experience with RFIs, submittals, document control, and construction administration processes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and construction management software.
• Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work onsite anywhere in the country.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, with compensation determined by experience, skills, qualifications, project assignment, geographic location, market conditions, internal equity, and business needs. In addition to base compensation, employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Phone allowance
• Per diem based on local GSA rates
• Company-paid travel home every other weekend

Equal Opportunity Employer

Novak Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.