Construction Project Engineer (Mission Critical + Data Center)

Gardner Builders • Milwaukee, WI

8d • $60,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Gardner Builders is seeking a detail-driven Construction Project Engineer to support the successful delivery of commercial construction projects. This role involves coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish. Depending on project size and scope, the Project Engineer may serve as a project lead on small to midsize projects or provide daily support to a Project Manager on larger projects. The company emphasizes a hospitality-driven approach, focusing on building relationships and delivering exceptional results with core values of passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. This role offers the opportunity to work across various market focuses, including mission-critical, Commercial Interiors, Education, Industrial, Healthcare, Historic Repositions, and Science & Technology projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, construction engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 1–2 years of professional construction experience on complex projects, such as mission-critical or industrial work (internships and co-ops not included).
• A strong analytical mindset and enjoys working with numbers, data, and spreadsheets.
• Approaches work with focus and follow-through, while staying flexible as priorities shift.
• Comfortable engaging in technical conversations and building rapport with highly technical teams.
• Curious about and open to learning complex systems, such as generators, chillers, and other critical infrastructure.
• Basic understanding of general contracting and the project life cycle.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project scheduling tools, and Apple devices.
• Collaborative, humble, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Currently located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and/or Illinois.

Nice To Haves

• 2–4 years of project management experience with a general contractor working on complex projects, such as mission-critical or industrial work.
• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, or other construction management software.
• Experience managing project documentation and financials.

Responsibilities

• Support project planning, execution, and closeout activities.
• Develop and track submittals, RFIs, change orders, and procurement logs.
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of contracts, drawings, and other project documentation.
• Generate, monitor, and update project schedules; identify deliverables and task owners.
• Manage owner pay applications, invoices, and change documentation.
• Support weekly project and OAC meetings with accurate notes and follow-up.
• Obtain permits and required regulatory approvals.
• Support project closeout by compiling O&M manuals, closeout packets, and punchlist follow-up.
• Maintain consistent communication with internal teams, clients, and trade partners to ensure alignment.

Benefits

• Annual Salary: $60,000 - $95,000 annual salary (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401k plan with employer contribution.
• Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance.
• Perks: Monthly auto allowance, company-provided phone, and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and regular company and team outings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level