Project Engineer I

AECOM; Ontario (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Project Engineer I to be based in Southern California, an early-career role for recent graduates. You will support the Project Manager and Construction Manager in planning, coordination, and control from design through closeout, focusing on construction administration, documentation, and field oversight.

With exposure to hospital, healthcare, school projects and public/private sectors, you will develop skills in scheduling, RFI/submittal management, cost tracking, and QA/QC

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 0 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Internship or co-op experience in construction, construction management, or design.
• Experience with construction management software and document control (RFIs, submittals, daily reports).
• Experience utilizing BIM.

Responsibilities

• Assists in evaluating architectural and engineering proposals and in developing execution, contracting, and award recommendations.
• Conducts constructability reviews for compliance with Client standards and building code requirements.
• Supports coordination of jurisdictional approvals, plan check, and permitting.
• Assists in the development of drawings and specifications for the design or construction of new facilities, and the repair and modernization of existing facilities.
• Supports bidding, construction contract review, and pre-qualification processes.
• Supports the review of construction progress relative to submitted construction schedules, including contractor baseline, critical path (CPM), and recovery schedules.
• Reviews and coordinates RFIs, requests for clarification (RFC), submittals, change order proposals (COP), and change directives (CD) for quality assurance and merit.
• Assists in reviewing change orders and assessing their cost and schedule impact, and prepares cost estimates for change orders and extra services.
• Assists in monitoring variances in the project database relative to scheduling and cost control reporting.
• Assists in reviewing and verifying contractor applications for payment and supports fiscal management of project resources.
• Supports the Project Manager / Construction Manager in resolving construction issues, disputes, and disagreements.
• Monitors labor compliance and prevailing wage requirements.
• Performs site walks to verify field conditions and monitors construction activities for compliance with contract documents and safety standards.
• Monitors General Contractor and subcontractor work to ensure adherence with project plans and promotes quality control of all installations.
• Monitors the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and helps ensure projects comply with State requirements.
• Coordinates and documents progress meetings with site administrators, community representatives, public agencies, and Client departments during all phases of construction.
• When requested, interfaces with the Client, architect, and design professionals to confirm compliance with design intent and Client satisfaction.
• Uses construction management software to maintain daily reports, project logs, RFI and submittal logs, and agreements.
• Ensures compliance with all internal and external record keeping requirements.
• Supports project closeout and certification processes, including punch lists, as-built and closeout submittal packages, and DSA / HCAI certification where applicable.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Project coordination

Multi-tasking and organization

Construction management knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field

Tools

BIM

Construction management software

Document control

Job description

Company Description

At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. We believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it’s improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. Our clients trust us to bring together the best people, ideas, technical expertise and digital solutions to our work in transportation, buildings, water, the environment and new energy. We’re one global team – 50,000 strong – driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world. Here, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. We will give you the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients. We will encourage you to grow and develop your career with us through our technical and professional development programs and diverse career opportunities. We believe in leadership at all levels. No matter where you sit in the organization you can make a lasting impact on the projects you work on, the teams and committees you join and our business. We offer competitive pay and benefits, well-being programs to support you and your family, and the development resources you need to advance your career. When you join us, you will connect and collaborate with a global network of experts – planners, designers, engineers, scientists, consultants, program and construction managers – leading the change toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us and let’s get started.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Project Engineer I to be based in Southern California. This is an early-career role suited to recent university graduates. The Project Engineer supports the Project Manager / Construction Manager in the planning, coordination, and control of projects from preliminary design to close out, with a focus on construction administration, project documentation, and field oversight. Projects may include hospital and healthcare work under OSHPD / HCAI, school work under the Division of the State Architect (DSA), and other public and private sector projects. Experience in these areas is preferred. AECOM's Program Management (PgM) business line is a global leader in delivering complex, large-scale programs across diverse sectors. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence, PgM provides end-to-end solutions that drive impactful results for clients worldwide. Our expertise spans infrastructure, transportation, energy, water, and urban development, ensuring that every program is executed with precision, efficiency, and sustainability.

Design and Preconstruction Support

• Assists in evaluating architectural and engineering proposals and in developing execution, contracting, and award recommendations
• Conducts constructability reviews for compliance with Client standards and building code requirements
• Supports coordination of jurisdictional approvals, plan check, and permitting
• Assists in the development of drawings and specifications for the design or construction of new facilities, and the repair and modernization of existing facilities
• Supports bidding, construction contract review, and pre-qualification processes

Construction Administration and Project Controls

• Supports the review of construction progress relative to submitted construction schedules, including contractor baseline, critical path (CPM), and recovery schedules
• Reviews and coordinates RFIs, requests for clarification (RFC), submittals, change order proposals (COP), and change directives (CD) for quality assurance and merit
• Assists in reviewing change orders and assessing their cost and schedule impact, and prepares cost estimates for change orders and extra services
• Assists in monitoring variances in the project database relative to scheduling and cost control reporting
• Assists in reviewing and verifying contractor applications for payment and supports fiscal management of project resources
• Supports the Project Manager / Construction Manager in resolving construction issues, disputes, and disagreements
• Monitors labor compliance and prevailing wage requirements

Field Oversight and Quality

• Performs site walks to verify field conditions and monitors construction activities for compliance with contract documents and safety standards
• Monitors General Contractor and subcontractor work to ensure adherence with project plans and promotes quality control of all installations
• Monitors the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and helps ensure projects comply with State requirements
• Coordinates and documents progress meetings with site administrators, community representatives, public agencies, and Client departments during all phases of construction
• When requested, interfaces with the Client, architect, and design professionals to confirm compliance with design intent and Client satisfaction

Project Documentation and Closeout

• Uses construction management software to maintain daily reports, project logs, RFI and submittal logs, and agreements
• Ensures compliance with all internal and external record keeping requirements
• Supports project closeout and certification processes, including punch lists, as-built and closeout submittal packages, and DSA / HCAI certification where applicable

Core Skills and Knowledge

• Possesses outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Able to manage multiple tasks, exhibit strong organizational skills, and have a good understanding of design and construction
• Knowledge of construction management procedures and construction industry practices
• Skilled at use of construction management software and programs
• Knowledgeable in the process of invoicing and billing procedures
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs
• Committed to continuously expanding professional knowledge and contributing to team innovation and productivity

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree plus 0 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Requirements:

• Internship or co-op experience in construction, construction management, or design
• Experience with construction management software and document control (RFIs, submittals, daily reports)
• Experience utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Experience on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects
• Exposure to local worker PLAs, prevailing wage / DIR, and public works projects
• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is not offered for this position now or in the future.
• Relocation not available with this opportunity.

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $70000 to $90000.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.