Project Engineer: Tenant Interiors Construction

Leopardo Construction•Chicago, IL

5d•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Leopardo Construction is seeking a Project Engineer to join its Tenant Interiors Market in a downtown office. This role supports the Estimating, Project Management, and Field Operations departments in planning, directing, and coordinating project activities to meet project goals. The Project Engineer learns the construction process across these functions and participates in structured training and assigned rotational learning plans covering company policies, procedures, philosophies, and construction practices. The position can provide experience relevant to future work as an estimator, project manager, or superintendent. Project management support includes helping maintain project goals, schedules, budgets, documentation, subcontracts, change orders, and closeout materials. Estimating support includes assisting with bid strategies, budgets, quantity take-offs, subcontractor bidding, bid analysis, and owner proposals. Field operations support includes helping coordinate materials and schedules, maintain site records, monitor safety and quality initiatives, support inspections and punch-list completion, and work with project stakeholders on site. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent training and related experience. Prior experience as a Project Engineer or Intern is preferred; field or estimating experience is a plus. Candidates should understand basic construction technologies, scheduling software, financial concepts, and digital model navigation, and be able to read and understand blueprints. Familiarity with project management and accounting software is expected; Viewpoint experience is a plus. A valid driver’s license is required. OSHA 30-hour certification and LEED GA accreditation are preferred. The stated salary range is $70,000–$80,000, and the position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. Leopardo describes itself as a large construction firm serving specialized markets and highlights its emphasis on construction excellence, quality, customer service, and environmentally friendly processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in construction, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent training and related experience.
Understanding of basic construction technologies, including scheduling software, financial comprehension, and digital model navigation.
Ability to read and understand blueprints.
Awareness of project management and accounting software.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Prior industry experience as a Project Engineer or Intern.
Field and/or estimating experience.
Viewpoint software experience.
OSHA 30-hour certification.
LEED GA accreditation.

Responsibilities

Support project management staff in monitoring project goals, including overhead, profit, general conditions, self-performed trades, client satisfaction, profit projections, and job-cost maintenance.
Track and update the detailed master construction schedule, including critical dates and activities affecting project completion.
Obtain permits, insurance, and bonds.
Review and process submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs; follow up to expedite approvals and maintain required logs.
Coordinate or participate in preconstruction, weekly, and post-construction meetings; prepare minutes, track open items, and coordinate MBE/WBE compliance monitoring and reporting.
Negotiate with and procure subcontractors and suppliers; prepare subcontracts and purchase orders; review monthly payment applications; and track subcontract, insurance, and bond status.
Generate and maintain BIM project documentation and conduct model mediation and clash detection.
Review LEED construction deliverables for projects pursuing LEED certification.
Determine subcontractor work completed and prepare monthly billings and sworn statements to the owner.
Verify, price, and prepare change-order documentation and maintain a weekly change-order status log.
Compile project closeout documents, including as-built drawings, warranty letters, and O&M manuals.
Set up and maintain project filing and archiving systems.
Assist estimating staff with competitive or negotiated bid strategies and budget development.
Review bid documents, prepare quantity take-offs using On Screen, and develop RFIs as needed.
Conduct jobsite walkthroughs to verify field conditions.
Develop qualified subcontractor bidder lists, communicate with bidders, and seek additional bid coverage when needed.
Receive and analyze subcontractor bids against drawings, specifications, and scope of work; prepare owner budget proposals incorporating cost-saving alternatives and value engineering.
Participate in client presentations when required and in the preconstruction job turnover process.
Procure materials and assemble and distribute a two-week look-ahead schedule aligned with the master construction schedule.
Maintain daily job logs and participate in subcontractor meetings to coordinate activities.
Initiate a project safety plan, monitor EH&S initiatives, visit the jobsite daily, and assist with audits, inspections, and daily logs.
Initiate a project-specific quality-control plan, review plans and specifications, and maintain and process construction documents, drawings, sketches, bulletins, ASIs, and CCDs.
Participate in coordination and pre-installation meetings and help ensure final inspections and tests are completed on time.
Generate field documentation to support the LEED Project Coordinator’s final submission to approving authorities.
Manage self-perform trades and monitor budgeted versus actual costs for self-performed work.
Generate punch lists, identify the responsible subcontractors, and follow up to ensure timely completion.
Monitor and record project hiring requirements and maintain daily and monthly records and payroll certifications.
Work on site and interact with clients, owner representatives, or end users/unit owners as required by the project.