Mechanical Preconstruction Engineer

Mechanical Preconstruction Engineer - HVAC

This role focuses on supporting HVAC and mechanical construction projects through detailed preconstruction engineering, including takeoffs, load calculations, drawing preparation, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. The Preconstruction Engineer reads and interprets construction documents, develops accurate quantities and estimates, and ensures HVAC system designs meet project specifications and performance requirements. The position plays a key role in bridging design and construction by supporting project managers, engineers, and field teams from early design through project completion.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret HVAC and mechanical construction blueprints, specifications, and contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
• Perform ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs to support project design, estimating, and construction planning.
• Develop accurate quantity takeoffs and assist with project estimating and material procurement activities.
• Conduct HVAC load calculations to support proper system sizing and ensure designs meet performance and comfort requirements.
• Review and process equipment submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation to verify compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Create and modify HVAC layouts, drawings, and project documents using AutoCAD to support design and construction needs.
• Prepare and review shop drawings to confirm constructability and adherence to project requirements.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams to support successful project execution from design through construction.
• Support multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects with preconstruction engineering expertise.
• Assist with project coordination to ensure schedules, milestones, and project requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve design and constructability issues before and during construction.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of preconstruction processes, documentation standards, and coordination practices.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience within the HVAC industry, preferably in preconstruction, design, or project engineering roles.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret HVAC and mechanical construction drawings, blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency in performing ductwork, equipment, and material takeoffs for HVAC systems.
• Experience developing accurate quantity takeoffs and supporting project estimation efforts.
• Hands-on experience conducting HVAC load calculations and supporting system sizing and design.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying HVAC layouts and construction drawings.
• Experience reviewing and processing submittals, shop drawings, and technical documentation for compliance with project specifications.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, components, and design principles.
• Certified Professional Engineer (PE) with the ability to stamp drawings.
• Strong technical aptitude and comfort with digital tools, including email, Microsoft Excel, and cloud-based file storage platforms such as Dropbox.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with project managers, engineers, estimators, and field personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, drawings, and calculations.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) certification, with the ability to review and stamp HVAC-related drawings.
• Experience as a preconstruction engineer, preconstruction manager, project engineer, or estimator in the HVAC or mechanical construction industry.
• Background in supporting multifamily, senior living, commercial, educational, and retail construction projects.
• Experience working in a preconstruction or estimation environment, including material procurement support.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with engineers, project managers, and field staff.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to travel occasionally to job sites to take field measurements and verify existing conditions.
• Tech-savvy mindset with the willingness to adopt and utilize new tools and technologies to improve workflows.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office environment located in Aurora and requires on-site presence five days a week. Typical working hours are generally from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with weekend work only occurring occasionally if project schedules are significantly behind. The role involves occasional travel to job sites in the greater Chicago area to take field measurements and verify conditions.

The office operates within a mid-sized organization of approximately 60–100 employees, with a dedicated team that includes a…