Project Engineer, Mechanical Procurement

Gilder Search Group; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Annual Bonus

Comprehensive Benefits Package including medical, dental and vision, 401k

Generous PTO and paid company holidays

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in St. Louis seeks a Project Engineer (Mechanical Procurement) to support the CDC team in developing competitive HVAC/mechanical estimates and sourcing equipment and materials. This role involves mechanical takeoffs, validating supplier quotes, and maintaining procurement documentation.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of mechanical construction and at least 5 years of procurement experience. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision plans, and more.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of procurement experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical construction and HVAC systems/equipment.
• Experience with estimating/takeoffs and vendor communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical/HVAC takeoffs and quantity surveys.
• Solicit and validate supplier/manufacturer quotes.
• Evaluate bills of material for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with contract review from procurement perspective.
• Track orders and logistics, coordinating with project teams.

Skills

Mechanical construction knowledge

HVAC systems knowledge

Vendor negotiation skills

Detail-oriented

Proficient in Excel

Education

Equivalent combination of mechanical/HVAC field experience

Job description

About Us Clayco is a full‑service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

About Consolidated Distribution Company (CDC) Clayco’s Consolidated Distribution Company (CDC) uses its extensive relationships to secure competitive pricing and product availability. By negotiating with top brands and manufacturers, CDC provides cost‑effective solutions for construction equipment, materials, and finishes. It excels in managing complex projects through strategic sourcing and mass purchasing, offering integrated design, and purchasing power for both internal and external clients.

The Role We Want You For As the Project Engineer (Mechanical Procurement), you will support the CDC team in developing competitive HVAC/mechanical estimates and procurement plans, sourcing equipment and materials, and building relationships with manufacturers, reps, and subcontract partners. You will work closely with Clayco project teams, design partners, and the technical group to confirm specified systems meet performance requirements, project standards, and budget. You will help identify lead‑time risks early and contribute to winning work through accurate takeoffs, pricing, and value options.

The Specifics of the Role

• Perform mechanical/HVAC takeoffs and quantity surveys (major HVAC equipment and other mechanical equipment and systems) and develop detailed procurement estimates.
• Solicit, level, and validate supplier/manufacturer quotes; confirm scope, inclusions/exclusions, alternates, and delivery assumptions.
• Support intercompany sales efforts by engaging OEMs, reps, and distributors, maintaining pricing intelligence, and helping identify new procurement opportunities.
• Evaluate bills of material for completeness and accuracy; flag gaps, long‑lead items, and coordination concerns (power, controls, structural, seismic, space/clearances).
• Assist with contract review from a procurement perspective (commercial terms, freight, taxes, escalation, liquidated damages, warranty, service/startup).
• Gather and prepare submittal packages (equipment schedules, cut sheets, performance data, controls narratives) and track reviews/returns to keep the buyout schedule on track.
• Create purchase requisitions / product lists and support purchase order and change order preparation with clear scope and quantities.
• Track orders and logistics (lead times, releases, fabrication, shipping, storage); coordinate with the project team on site constraints and delivery windows.
• Maintain procurement documentation (quote logs, bid tabs, vendor correspondence) and support closeout deliverables as assigned (warranties, O&M manuals, spare parts).

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of mechanical construction and HVAC systems/equipment; able to read plans/specs and speak the language of engineers, contractors, and OEMs.
• 5+ years of procurement experience preferred; or equivalent combination of mechanical/HVAC field, estimating, or project support experience with demonstrated procurement capability.
• Experience with estimating/takeoffs, bid leveling, and vendor communication; detail‑oriented with strong follow‑through.
• Working knowledge of construction fundamentals, coordination practices, and project documentation (submittals, RFIs, change orders).
• Comfortable negotiating with suppliers and understanding commercial terms; proficient with Excel and procurement/PM tools.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design‑build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award‑winning, high‑profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.