Project Engineer

Art Institute of Chicago•Chicago, IL

25d•$70,000 - $85,698•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Engineer supports the planning, coordination, and execution of construction and facilities projects from initial planning through completion. Working closely with Project Managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and campus stakeholders, the Project Engineer helps ensure that projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with institutional standards. The position is responsible for day-to-day project coordination, documentation, cost tracking, schedule management, submittals, RFIs, change orders, inspections, quality control, and closeout activities. The Project Engineer will manage smaller projects independently and provide technical and administrative support on larger capital projects.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, facilities management, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
One to three years of experience in construction, project engineering, facilities, architecture, engineering, or a related field. Relevant internship or co-op experience may be considered.
Experience working with construction drawings, specifications, schedules, budgets, and contracts.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including the ability to organize work, establish priorities, track progress, and follow projects through completion.
Ability to interpret architectural, engineering, and construction documents and understand building systems and construction practices.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with contractors, consultants, staff, faculty, and administrators.
Ability to identify problems early and work collaboratively to develop practical solutions.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate project documentation, budgets, schedules, and records.
Accountability for assigned responsibilities and the ability to follow through on commitments.
Ability to work effectively across departments and with external project partners.
Sound judgment and the ability to understand when issues can be resolved independently and when they require escalation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel), Google Workspace, or similar productivity tools, and the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Experience with institutional, higher-education, commercial, or complex renovation projects and experience working in occupied buildings and environments with ongoing operations are preferred.
Experience with Procore or other construction management, project management, or Facility Management systems is preferred.
Knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and building envelope systems, is preferred.
Experience with estimating, scheduling, change orders, and construction administration, and familiarity with applicable building codes, accessibility requirements, and construction regulations, are preferred.
LEED, OSHA, PMP, CCM, EIT, or other relevant certification is preferred

Responsibilities

Supports Project Managers in planning and executing construction, renovation, infrastructure, and facility projects across campus, and manage smaller capital projects independently from pre-construction through contract closeout under the supervision of the Executive Director.
Monitors project schedules, tracks progress, identifies potential delays, and coordinates resolutions to minimize impacts on operations, including coordinating site access, utility shutdowns, building inspections, and material deliveries.
Reviews construction drawings, specifications, contractor submissions, and shop drawings to verify compliance with institutional engineering standards, and assists with the interpretation of construction drawings and technical specifications for project team members and contractors.
Manages and tracks technical project documentation, including Requests for Information (RFIs), submittmits, Architect's Supplemental Instructions (ASIs), change orders, and punch lists.
Participates in site observations and field inspections to monitor workmanship quality and ensure alignment with contract documents.
Manages annual building envelope reporting programs covering campus facades, roofs, structural vaults, and architectural ironwork; analyze engineering inspection data to identify structural vulnerabilities and draft recommendations for future maintenance projects.
Organizes detailed contract documentation and scope packages for specialized envelope remediation contractors with leadership support.
Assists with the development, maintenance, and forecasting of comprehensive project budgets; track commitments, invoices, allowances, contingencies, and change orders; and review contractor payment applications and supporting documentation to verify completed work against expenditures.
Supports procurement activities, including bidding, scope reviews, and contractor selection.
Serves as a technical liaison between project managers, internal academic stakeholders, operations teams, and external engineering consultants; communicate disruptions, shutdowns, and schedule changes to affected departments.
Promotes safe construction practices and enforce compliance with building codes, regulations, and campus safety requirements, partnering with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and security teams when projects involve hazardous materials, specialized equipment, or unusual construction conditions.
Maintains organized, complete, and auditable records within the institution's project and document management systems; prepare regular project status reports; and oversee project closeout, including the collection of contracts, insurance certificates, permits, meeting minutes, official correspondence, warranties, operation and maintenance manuals, as-built drawings, and final inspection certificates.