Project Engineer - VDC

Pepper Construction Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k match

Paid time off + parental leave

Job summary

Pepper Construction Group in the Chicagoland area seeks a VDC/ BIM detailer to join the Virtual Construction department. The role centers on modeling, detailing, and coordination to support complex projects using Tekla Structures and related tools.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of experience in structural modeling or VDC workflows, with Tekla Structures required and familiarity with Revit or Navisworks as a plus. Strong communication and quick learning are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in civil engineering, drafting, detailing, or BIM required.
• 2–4 years of structural modeling or VDC workflow experience.
• Tekla Structures experience is required; concrete/rebar modeling preferred.
• Revit or Navisworks experience is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication; quick learner.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate rebar models and shop details using Tekla Structures.
• Support model creation for structural and enclosure systems, including geometry and embeds.
• Produce model-based deliverables such as drawings and quantities.
• Maintain model organization and compliance with Pepper standards.
• Collaborate with project teams to resolve missing information and constructability concerns.

Skills

VDC workflows

BIM

Communication

Detailing

Learning ability

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Drafting, Detailing, or BIM

Tools

Tekla Structures

Revit

Navisworks

Power BI

Job description

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands-on approach of a local company.

Position Summary

The Virtual Construction department at Pepper Construction is on the leading edge of technology adoption and modeling capabilities, including coordination, detailing, visualization, data capture, and model-based project planning. Our goal is to assist clients, design teams, and project teams in communicating expectations and addressing complex conditions.

Major Responsibilities

Technical Modeling & Detailing

• Develop accurate rebar models and shop-level detailing using Tekla Structures.
• Support model creation for structural and enclosure systems, including geometry, embeds, connections, and general coordination elements.
• Assist in producing model-based deliverables such as drawings, reports, and quantities
• Maintain model organization, accuracy, and compliance with Pepper standards.

Project Support & Coordination

• Collaborate with project teams, field supervision, and design partners to identify and resolve missing or incomplete information and constructability concerns.

Technology & Process Development

• Learn and apply Pepper's VDC standards, workflows, and best practices.
• Support continuous improvement by providing feedback on modeling processes and tools.
• Stay aware of emerging technologies and participate in industry events and networking

Quality & Accountability

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of assigned modeling tasks.
• Follow established protocols for file management, documentation, and model updates.
• Maintain high-quality deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.

Position Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Drafting, Detailing, or BIM
• 2-4 years of experience in structural modeling, rebar detailing, or general VDC workflows.
• Experience using Tekla Structures required; familiarity modeling concrete and rebar preferred.
• Exposure to Tekla Custom Components, Reports, & Templates beneficial.
• Familiarity with other modeling or coordination tools (Revit, Navisworks, etc.) is a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft tools; (Power BI familiarity beneficial but not required)
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Ability to learn quickly, follow technical workflows, and adapt to new tools.
• Work from Chicagoland offices; preferably Des Plaines
• Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
• Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

The salary midpoint for this role is $94,000. We consider many factors when determining the actual hiring salary. These factors may include location, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, internal equity, and market demands.

Pepper Construction is dedicated to offering our employees a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that prioritizes their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, a generous 401k match, and a student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days, Pepper offers fully paid medical and parental leave, mental health services, and more.

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.