Project Engineer

Nielsen Mechanical, a Crete United Company, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Project Engineer to support our commercial HVAC projects team. This role focuses on preconstruction and project support activities, including blueprint review, bid coordination, proposal development, project administration, and coordination between sales, estimating, and operations teams.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with construction documents, organizing multiple moving pieces, and helping ensure projects transition smoothly from opportunity identification through project execution. This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in estimating, project management, or project sales within the mechanical contracting industry.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating Support

• Review blueprints, specifications, bid documents, and addenda to identify project requirements and scope.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and assist with scope development using construction drawings and specifications.

• Support the preparation of project estimates, budgets, and customer proposals.

• Coordinate bid invitations, document distribution, and proposal deadlines.

• Solicit and track vendor and subcontractor quotations.

• Maintain bid logs and track project opportunities through the preconstruction process.

• Assist with compiling proposal packages and supporting documentation.

Project Administration

• Organize and maintain project files, drawings, contracts, and related documentation.

• Assist with contract review and job setup activities.

• Coordinate project turnover from estimating and sales to operations teams.

• Ensure required documentation is complete prior to project handoff.

• Track awarded projects and maintain reporting on project status and pipeline activity.

• Support project closeout activities and documentation as needed.

Team & Customer Coordination

• Coordinate meetings, site visits, and follow-up activities with customers, general contractors, vendors, and internal teams.

• Communicate bid status, outstanding items, and project updates to leadership.

• Support relationship-building efforts with owners, engineers, and general contractors.

• Collaborate closely with Estimators, Project Managers, and Project Sales personnel to support successful project execution.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in project coordination, estimating support, construction administration, project engineering, or related experience.

• Commercial HVAC, mechanical contracting, construction, or engineering experience preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and construction documents.

• Experience performing quantity takeoffs is preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.

• Experience with Bluebeam Revu is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with estimating software, ERP systems, or construction management platforms is a plus.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Background

• Experience supporting mechanical estimating or preconstruction teams.

• Familiarity with commercial HVAC systems and building construction processes.

• Understanding of the bidding and proposal process.

• Exposure to project turnover and operations coordination.

• Desire to grow into estimating, project management, or project sales roles.

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected base salary range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually, dep