Project Engineer - VDC

Pepper Construction•Chicago, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm serving primarily the private sector, with offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. Its Virtual Construction department uses technology and modeling capabilities for coordination, detailing, visualization, data capture, and model-based project planning to help clients, design teams, and project teams communicate expectations and address complex conditions. The Project Engineer for Virtual Construction supports modeling and detailing, primarily structural modeling and rebar detailing using Tekla Structures, as well as general VDC services across structural, architectural, and enclosure systems. The role is intended for someone early in their career who wants to build technical skills, learn advanced modeling workflows, and contribute to project coordination. The employee will work from Chicagoland offices, preferably Des Plaines. Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Drafting, Detailing, or BIM.
0–4 years of experience in structural modeling, rebar detailing, or general VDC workflows.
Experience using Tekla Structures is required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to learn quickly, follow technical workflows, and adapt to new tools.
Work from Chicagoland offices, preferably Des Plaines.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with modeling concrete and rebar.
Exposure to Tekla Custom Components, Reports, and Templates.
Familiarity with other modeling or coordination tools, such as Revit and Navisworks.
Power BI familiarity.

Responsibilities

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.
Collaborate with project teams, field supervision, and design partners to identify and resolve missing or incomplete information and constructability concerns.
Learn and apply Pepper’s VDC standards, workflows, and best practices.
Provide feedback on modeling processes and tools to support continuous improvement.
Stay aware of emerging technologies and participate in industry events and networking.
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.