Preconstruction Engineer

Preconstruction Project Engineer - HVAC/Mechanical Construction

The Preconstruction Engineer plays a key role in supporting HVAC and mechanical construction projects from early design through construction. This position focuses on interpreting construction documents, performing detailed takeoffs and HVAC load calculations, preparing and reviewing shop drawings, and coordinating closely with project teams to ensure accurate design, effective estimating, and smooth project execution across multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail projects.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret HVAC and mechanical construction blueprints, specifications, and contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed ductwork, equipment, and material quantity takeoffs to support project design, estimating, and construction planning.
• Develop accurate quantity takeoffs and assist with project estimating, budgeting, and material procurement activities.
• Conduct HVAC load calculations to support proper system sizing and design decisions.
• Review and process equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation to verify compliance with project specifications and design intent.
• Create and modify HVAC layouts, drawings, and project documents using AutoCAD to support design and coordination needs.
• Prepare and review shop drawings to ensure constructability, accuracy, and adherence to project specifications and standards.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to support successful project execution and resolve design or constructability issues.
• Support multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects with preconstruction and design-related services.
• Assist with project coordination from design through construction, helping to ensure schedules are maintained and project requirements are met.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide technical insight, clarify design details, and contribute to project planning and execution.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience within the HVAC industry in a preconstruction, project engineering, or HVAC design-focused role.
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical and HVAC construction blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.
• Hands-on experience performing ductwork, equipment, and material quantity takeoffs for construction projects.
• Proficiency in HVAC system design principles and HVAC load calculations for proper system sizing.
• Experience preparing and reviewing equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation for compliance with project requirements.
• Ability to create and modify HVAC layouts and drawings using AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Certified Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to stamp drawings.
• Comfort working with quantities, takeoffs, and construction documentation in a preconstruction environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with technical drawings, quantities, and calculations.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a project engineer in the HVAC or construction industry, with the ability to transition into a preconstruction-focused role.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable using email, Excel, and cloud-based storage tools such as Dropbox.
• Ability to review and stamp drawings as a Professional Engineer and provide engineering oversight.
• Familiarity with construction processes and project coordination from design through construction.
• Comfort working with CAD, drawings, blueprints, takeoffs, quantities, and submittals in a fast-paced project environment.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to job sites in the greater Chicago area to take measurements and support field coordination.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment in Aurora, with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekend work is not typical and would only occur if project demands require catching up. The position involves occasional travel to job sites in the greater Chicago area to take measurements and support project coordination. The office supports a collaborative, family-oriented culture with a focus on loyalty and long-term retention, reflected in a low turnover rate.

The team in Aurora includes engineering, CAD, project management, estimating, operations, and administrative professionals, and the broader organization operates a fleet of service vehicles supporting field work. The environment is professional, team-focused, and centered on delivering high-quality HVAC and mechanical construction projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $57.69/hr individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills,…