Senior Preconstruction Engineer: Lead Mechanical Budgets

McKinstry; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match and profit‑

Paid time off and holidays

Comprehensive medical, prescription, 


Family formation benefits

Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave

Pet insurance

Learning and advancement opportunities

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Engineer to lead conceptual mechanical estimates from early design through construction. This role supports budget, risk analysis, and scope management across New Construction mechanical projects.

You will partner with Project Managers to ensure smooth transitions from preconstruction to construction, protect margins, and contribute to business development and client communications. A strong background in estimates and scheduling is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering or equivalent work experience required.
• Three to seven years of experience in engineering, project management, or construction is required.
• Experience working for a General Contractor or Major Mechanical Subcontractor preferred.
• Basic estimating skills required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are 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 Suretrak preferred.
• Completed OSHA 10 or 30 class is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own all conceptual estimates for new construction (mechanical).
• Fully support management of scope and budget on assigned projects before the project begins construction 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 preconstruction and construction.
• Protect/enhance gross margin potential on all projects.
• In addition to all preconstruction management activities to the projects assigned to you, must support sales team in development of conceptual mechanical budgets and scope letters from conceptual/architectural plans.
• Participate fully in department betterment goals in order to streamline and enhance quality of deliverables to our clients (internal and external)
• Excellent communication skills with our clients are paramount for success in this position.
• Take initiative to facilitate own development process in conceptual estimating and overall preconstruction management.
• Support and participate in industry / business development activities. Attend project interviews, as needed.

Skills

Estimating

MS Office

Scheduling software

Communication skills

OSHA training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering

OSHA 10/30 (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera

SureTrak

Job description

McKinstry is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Engineer to lead conceptual mechanical estimates from early design through construction. This role supports budget, risk analysis, and scope management across New Construction mechanical projects.

You will partner with Project Managers to ensure smooth transitions from preconstruction to construction, protect margins, and contribute to business development and client communications. A strong background in estimates and scheduling is essential.