Project Engineer

Cedar Electronics; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with employer match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Curran Contracting in Crystal Lake, IL, seeks a Project Engineer to support heavy highway and site development projects. You will assist with project coordination, scheduling, documentation, and field operations while learning from seasoned Project Managers and field leaders.

This in-person role emphasizes ownership of project records, communication with subcontractors, budgeting basics, and exposure to change management as you grow in project management responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in construction management, civil engineering, or related field is preferred.
• Internship/co-op or prior construction experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with construction processes, documentation, and scheduling concepts is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support project startup activities, documentation management, and tracking systems.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and project correspondence.
• Help develop and maintain project schedules.
• Monitor weekly site progress and coordinate with field teams and subcontractors.
• Aid with cost code tracking, budgeting basics, and financial reporting.
• Assist with change documentation and client communications.

Skills

Organization & detail

Multitasking

Communication

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Professionalism

Office software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Build Your Career with Curran Contracting

For over 90 years, Curran Contracting has been building the infrastructure that supports communities throughout the Midwest. As a leading heavy civil contractor, Curran self-performs site development, excavation, mass grading, underground utilities, soil modification, asphalt paving, and asphalt production, serving commercial, industrial, and government clients throughout Illinois and Indiana.

Curran operates from six locations across Illinois and Indiana, including Crystal Lake, DeKalb, Island Lake, Sycamore, Oswego, and Merrillville.

Our success is built on quality work, strong relationships, and our core values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Continuous Improvement.

We are seeking a motivated Project Engineer who wants to build a long-term career in construction project management. This role provides hands-on experience across the full project lifecycle while working alongside experienced Project Managers, field leaders, subcontractors, and clients.

Position Summary

The Project Engineer plays an important role in the successful delivery of Curran's heavy highway and site development projects by supporting project planning, coordination, documentation, financial tracking, and field operations.

This position is a foundational step within Curran's Project Management career path, providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development while contributing to the successful execution of complex construction projects.

Working closely with Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, and field leadership, the Project Engineer will develop the technical, financial, operational, and leadership skills needed to grow into increasing levels of project management responsibility.

What You'll Do

Project Coordination & Execution

• Support project startup activities, including project setup, documentation management, and tracking systems.
• Assist with the preparation, distribution, and tracking of Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, project correspondence, and other documentation.
• Support Project Managers in developing and maintaining project schedules.
• Monitor and update weekly site schedules as directed by project leadership.
• Coordinate communication between field teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and management.
• Participate in project meetings and support coordination efforts that keep projects moving forward.

Field Support & Site Operations

• Conduct regular jobsite visits to observe project progress, verify compliance, and develop practical construction knowledge.
• Support field personnel through effective communication, documentation, and issue resolution.
• Develop an understanding of construction means and methods, project sequencing, and operational planning.
• Maintain accurate and consistent project records and documentation.
• Build strong working relationships between project management and field operations.

Financial & Contract Administration

• Assist with cost code tracking, labor reporting, and project-related data entry.
• Develop an understanding of project budgeting, cost forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Support subcontractor onboarding, documentation collection, and purchase order processing.
• Assist with tracking subcontractor compliance and contract requirements.
• Gain hands-on exposure to project financial management and reporting processes.

Change Management & Client Support

• Learn to identify potential changes in project scope and contract requirements.
• Assist with preparing and documenting change requests and supporting materials.
• Support project correspondence and client communications under the guidance of Project Managers.
• Develop an understanding of project contracts, specifications, and owner requirements.

Professional Development

• Participate in mentorship, coaching, and development opportunities with Project Managers and Senior Project Managers.
• Develop project management, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Continuously expand technical knowledge and understanding of heavy civil construction.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, continuous improvement, and Curran's core values.

What We're Looking For-

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, field personnel, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Ability to adapt to changing project demands and work in both office and field environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Commitment to professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Internship, co-op, or previous construction experience preferred.
• Familiarity with construction processes, project documentation, and scheduling concepts is beneficial.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between project sites and office locations.
• Demonstrated interest in building a long-term career in construction project management.

Why Join Curran?

At Curran, we believe our people are our greatest asset. The Project Engineer position is designed to provide more than a job—it's an opportunity to build a career in construction project management.

You'll gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced construction professionals, develop your leadership capabilities, and take on increasing levels of responsibility as you grow.

Benefits & Additional Compensation

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% Employer Match
• Profit Sharing
• Company Incentive Bonus Program
• 13+ Days of Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Leadership Development Coaching
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development
• Company Events & Team Engagement Opportunities

Working Conditions

• This is an in-person position based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, with regular travel to active construction sites and other Curran locations as required.
• Ability to sit for extended periods at a desk and while traveling in a vehicle.
• Ability to work in varying outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and dust.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of materials, equipment, or project-related items.
• Must comply with all Curran safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety vest, eye protection, hearing protection, and safety-toe footwear when required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a personal or company vehicle for jobsite visits, meetings, and other business-related activities.
• Employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold Curran's core values during daily operations and at all internal and external work-related events.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Guided by our values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Improvement, this job description provides a general overview of responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Curran Contracting reserves the right to adjust duties, titles, and roles as necessary to support business needs.

Curran Contracting Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizenship status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year