Project Engineer - Mechanical Insulation

Horwitz; New Hope (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Horwitz is a leader in HVAC, plumbing and electrical services, with Thermech as a key project arm. The Project Engineer supports project managers, field teams, and trade partners while upholding our core values of Safe, Accountable, Professional, Motivated, Can Do, and Curious.

This role assists with documentation, cost tracking, scheduling, and technical support, while building a foundational understanding of construction methods, materials, and codes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience coordinating with project managers, field staff and trade partners is a plus.
• Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, and contracts is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Documentation & contract management: create and manage submittals and project folders.
• Cost management: assist with material pricing and forecasts.
• Schedule, project planning & coordination: learn project schedules and attend meetings.
• Safety & compliance: follow OSHA standards and Horwitz safety practices.
• Communication & leadership: support meetings with customers and internal teams.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective written communication

Effective verbal communication

Detail-oriented

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Independent with teamwork

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field

Job description

At Horwitz, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. For over 100 years, we’ve been a leader in HVAC, plumbing, electrical services, delivering exceptional service while fostering a supportive and innovative workplace. Joining our team means working with passionate professionals in a culture built on safety, accountability, professionalism, motivation, curiosity, and a can-do attitude.

We’re committed to your growth with training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities. Along with competitive benefits—you’ll be part of a company that values its employees and makes a positive impact in the community. Join Horwitz and become part of a legacy of excellence and opportunity.

Position Overview:

The Project Engineer at Thermech supports project managers, field teams, and trade partners by demonstrating strong communication, organization, and teamwork while incorporating our core values of Safe, Accountable, Professional, Motivated, Can Do, and Curious. This position assists with documentation, cost tracking, scheduling, and technical support, while building a foundational understanding of construction methods, materials, and codes. By coordinating with stakeholders, managing project requirements, and promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement, the Project Engineer helps deliver projects efficiently and to Horwitz standards.

Key Responsibilities:

These responsibilities generally describe the nature of the position and may not be all inclusive:

Core Values

• Safe: Demonstrates safe work practices, identifies and mitigates risks, and promotes a culture of safety.
• Professional: Represents Thermech with integrity, communicates effectively, and upholds company standards.
• Motivated: Takes initiative, demonstrates drive to learn, and seeks continuous improvement.
• Curious: Asks thoughtful questions, explores new ideas, and seeks to understand broader project context.
• Accountable: Takes responsibility for tasks and outcomes, follows through on commitments, and owns mistakes.
• Can-Do Attitude: Approaches challenges with optimism, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Willingness to go above and beyond.

Documentation & Contract Management

• Create and manage submittals
• Understand the layout of project folders in Box and manage documents
• Complete receipt inspections for project material deliveries

Cost Management

• Send out material pricing requests using schedules, specifications, and material lists from project documents.
• Understand the concept of project change orders and proposals.
• Begin to understand forecasting in construction projects.
• Get familiar with estimating tools (FastWrap)

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Familiarize yourself with the different types of materials used in mechanical insulation.
• Begin to understand ductwork, hydronic, plumbing construction methods.
• Begin to understand HVAC, hydronic, plumbing system operation and design.
• Understand ductwork, hydronic, plumbing construction methods.
• Begin to understand mechanical/plumbing code requirements, ASTM, IECC, Energy Code etc. Know who to talk to or where to find information regarding these codes.
• Understand the prefabrication process and concepts.
• Complete receipt inspections for project material deliveries.
• Understand material buyout pricing.
• Understanding roles of Foreman, Journeyman, Apprentices; and their labor rates.

Communication & Leadership

• Attend meetings with customers/ownership/general contractor.
• Adheres to guidance from the Project Manager and field team; demonstrates a strong motivation to learn, assume greater responsibilities, and advance professionally.
• Learn how project managers develop relationships with customers, trade partners, and general contractors.
• Attend internal meetings such as weekly foreman meetings, prefab meetings, constraint meetings, lessons learned, WIP, project handoff meetings.
• Understand the concept and process of different types of billings (GMP, simple, T&M, lump sum).

Schedule, Project Planning & Coordination

• Understand project schedules.
• Learn the basics of our labor force and requirements based on project scope & timeline. Attend and listen to weekly labor meetings.
• Attend pull plan meetings.

Safety & Compliance

• Learn the basics of job safety requirements based on project requirements, Horwitz handbook, and OSHA Standards.

Other

• Cultivate a fun and productive work environment.
• Be an encouraging leader and mentor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Get better every day.

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with project managers, field staff, and trade partners.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and recordkeeping abilities.
• Ability to work independently while demonstrating teamwork and collaboration.
• Problem-solving mindset with willingness to ask questions and seek guidance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and willingness to learn construction-specific software/tools.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and contracts (or ability to learn quickly).

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Internship or prior experience in construction, engineering, or project coordination preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, hydronic) or construction processes.
• Knowledge of mechanical insulation systems (HVAC, plumbing, hydronic) or installation processes is a plus.
• Willingness to learn industry codes, safety standards, and project management practices.