Project Engineer

East Bay Restaurant Supply, Inc.•Sacramento, CA

51d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Project Engineer in our Estimating and Contract Department, you will serve as the critical bridge between Estimating, Purchasing, and Project Managers. In this role, you will receive project turnover packages from the Estimating team and take ownership of the pre-construction engineering process to validate scope, reconcile project documents, coordinate technical requirements, manage vendor and manufacturer information, and prepare projects for a successful handoff to Project Managers. You will review project proposals, specifications, foodservice drawings, MasterBid information, CAD files, vendor quotes, addenda, and other construction documents to identify scope gaps, missed items, discrepancies, and potential risks before turnover. You will also coordinate with vendors, manufacturers, representatives, Purchasing, and Project Managers to negotiate pricing, obtain lead times, secure drawings, evaluate substitutions and value engineering opportunities, and ensure projects are aligned with contractual requirements and installation schedules. This position requires strong technical understanding, organization, attention to detail, time management, and communication skills. The Project Engineer must be able to prioritize multiple projects based on required dates—including rush projects—and ensure all engineering, purchasing, documentation, and coordination activities are completed in time to support project schedules and installation dates.

Requirements

Experience in a project engineering, pre-construction, or related role within construction, foodservice equipment, wholesale, or a similar project-based environment.
Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications (including Division 11 / 114000), foodservice drawings, vendor proposals, and the ability to interpret and reconcile differences between them.
Familiarity with CAD files and MEP coordination concepts, including the ability to review layouts and understand basic mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements for equipment.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate pricing, terms, and discounts with vendors, reps, and purchasing while maintaining professional relationships.
Proven time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize rush jobs, and meet deadlines tied to demanded dates and install schedules.
Strong analytical skills to compare drawings, specifications, bids, proposals, and vendor quotes, identify discrepancies, and recommend solutions.
Experience preparing or reviewing RFIs, addenda, substitution requests, schedules of values, lead times, and project turnover packages.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and a customer service mindset, particularly when dealing with vendors and internal stakeholders.
Ability to work collaboratively with estimating, purchasing, and project management teams to ensure accurate, complete, and timely project turnover.
Proficiency in Excel, Word, and equivalent Google Workspace applications, including Google Docs and Google Sheets, as well as experience with other business systems, including but not limited to NetSuite, AutoQuotes, and similar platforms.
High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, pricing, drawings, and project records.
Ability to work full-time on an hourly basis in an office and/or hybrid environment, as required by project and department needs.

Responsibilities

Receive and review project turnovers from the estimating team, ensuring scope, pricing, assumptions, and proposal requirements are fully understood and documented.
Compare and reconcile construction documents, including 114000 specifications, foodservice drawings, MasterBid, vendor quotes, proposals, and all applicable addenda to identify discrepancies, missed items, and errors.
Receive, organize, and review CAD files, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) requirements, to support accurate equipment layouts and installation coordination.
Participate in MEP coordination and schedule management, identifying conflicts, lead-time concerns, and other issues that may impact project schedules or install dates.
Work with purchasing in vendor negotiation to optimize project margins while maintaining quality and schedule.
Coordinate with Purchasing to determine the appropriate timing for purchase orders, balancing lead times, storage constraints, cash flow, and project schedules.
Assign and/or coordinate appropriate manufacturers, fabricators, installers, and Project Managers based on scope, specifications, capacity, quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
Review and process RFIs (Requests for Information) to clarify scope, resolve conflicts, address missed items, and mitigate risks prior to and following project turnover.
Evaluate and manage substitution requests and value engineering (VE) options, coordinating with the Project Managers team as needed after turnover.
Gather and document vendor lead times, identify potential schedule impacts, and RFI lead-time issues when required.
Issue letters of intent (LOIs) to vendors, manufacturers, and subcontractors as needed to secure pricing, capacity, schedule commitments, and required drawings.
Collect, save, and organize vendor and manufacturer drawings received prior to turnover.
Develop and coordinate the initial schedule of values in collaboration with the estimating and project management teams.
Prepare clear, organized turnover packages and conduct turnover with the PM team, including vendor selections, quote reconciliations, drawings, RFIs, lead times, addenda, and key assumptions.
Prioritize project engineering activities based on demanded dates and install schedules to ensure timely project execution.
Provide ongoing technical and administrative support to project managers during execution, including technical questions, NetSuite order entry, Cutbook creation, billing support, warranty/service calls, and other project needs as required.
Communicate professionally and proactively with vendors, internal teams, purchasing, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain positive working relationships.