Senior Preconstruction Engineer

McKinstry; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match and profit‑

Paid time off and holidays

Comprehensive medical, prescription,

Parental leave

McKinstry University

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Engineer to join the New Construction Mechanical Department, driving conceptual estimates, budget control, and risk assessment across projects from design through permitting.

You will lead preconstruction activities, partner with project managers for seamless transitions, and apply best practices to protect gross margins while supporting sales with budget development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering or equivalent work experience required.
• 3 to 7 years of experience in engineering, project management, or construction.
• PE, CPM, LEED professional designations are preferred, but not required.
• Experience working for a General Contractor or Major Mechanical Subcontractor preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are required.

Responsibilities

• Own all conceptual estimates for new construction (mechanical).
• Support design phase management, budget management, and risk and opportunity analysis.
• Manage projects from early design through construction and permitting.
• Coordinate with Project Managers to ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to construction.
• Maintain accurate, timely reporting and ensure cost-effective procurement.

Skills

Estimating skills

Project management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Suretrak

Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are currently seeking a Senior Preconstruction Engineer to join the team as a member of our New Construction Mechanical Department. Some responsibilities you will have include:

Preconstruction Management

• Projects can range from conceptual to detailed. Must be proficient in conceptual estimating large mechanical systems from very basicnarratives / architectural plans as well as experience in supporting quantity take-off estimates.
• Own all conceptual estimates for new construction (mechanical)
• Fully support management of scope and budget on assigned projects before the project beginsconstruction phase.
• During design and estimating phase for project; support design phase management, support budget management, support managing risk and opportunities for budget.
• Manage job from early design through construction and permitting.
• Partner with Project Managers ensure perfect transition between preconstructionand construction
• Protect/enhance gross margin potential on all projects.
• In addition to all preconstruction management activities to the projects assigned toyou, must support sales team in development of conceptual mechanical budgets andscope letters from conceptual/architectural plans.
• Participate fully in department betterment goals in order to streamline and enhancequality of deliverables to our clients (internal and external)
• Excellent communication skills with our clients are paramount for success in thisposition. You are expected to deliver and manage estimates/budgets throughout theduration of the project.
• Take initiative to facilitate own development process in conceptual estimating and overall preconstruction management. Must seek continual feedback and mentorship to develop the knowledgebase for advancing conceptual estimating skillset and preconstruction management skillset.
• Support and participate in industry / business development activities. Attendproject interviews, as needed.

Project Controls

• Apply McKinstry best practices and preconstruction processes to each project.
• Mitigate all risks within the preconstruction process so that scope is completelycovered and contingency is employed in areas of risk.
• Utilize McKinstry technology platforms to track projects and keep historical databases/ metrics up to date.
• Work with vendors and subcontractors to ensure pricing input on all projects underyour direction.
• Excellent scope letter and narrative writing abilities to clearly delineate scope of workand to assist our owner/general contractor partners in making sure project scope iscompletely covered.
• Follow McKinstry best practices for estimate reviews on every job. Preconstructionteam will take lead in scheduling the review at a minimum of one day prior tosubmission.
• Assume financial responsibility for projects in preconstruction phase includingaccurate, timely and relevant reporting to stakeholders.
• Review contracts, drawings, specifications and other resources to answer questionsin a timely manner.
• Ensure that all material and equipment is purchased in a timely and cost-effectivemanner.
• Monitor progress towards goals to anticipate potential problems.

Team Management

• Coach and mentor project team members.
• Develop project staffing plans to include labor, subcontractors, etc.
• Act as steward of McKinstry culture.
• Establish and lead project meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Need To Succeed At McKinstry

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering or equivalent workexperience required.
• Three (3) to seven (7) years of experience in engineering, project management, orconstruction is required.
• Experience working for a General Contractor or Major Mechanical Subcontractorpreferred.
• Basic estimating skills required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlookare required.
• PE, CPM, LEED professional designations are preferred, but not required.
• Understanding of accounting and financial management preferred.
• Proficient with scheduling software: Microsoft Project, Primavera and/or Suretrakpreferred.
• Completed OSHA 10 or 30 class is preferred.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $36.48 - $61.97 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.