Project Engineer, Estimator

Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC – Preconstruction Manager – Main Office (Bethesda, MD)

Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to support estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. This role is responsible for helping secure profitable new work, identifying and managing risk, strengthening client and subcontractor relationships, and supporting the full preconstruction process from early pursuit through bid review.

The Preconstruction Manager will work closely with Preconstruction leadership, Operations, owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, subcontractors, and internal team members. This position is ideal for a construction professional with strong estimating skills, a working knowledge of all major trades, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving, team-oriented environment.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to bid strategy, produce conceptual and detailed estimates, participate in client presentations, support design and value engineering conversations, and take ownership of key estimating resources such as vendor lists, price books, supplier lists, or the bid board.

• Assist in securing new work that meets company profitability guidelines while identifying, mitigating, and accounting for project risk.
• Develop new business relationships and maintain existing relationships with owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, and subcontractors to support future business opportunities.
• Actively participate in industry organizations and represent the company at networking functions, career fairs, trade shows, and related events.
• Collaborate with other members of the Estimating and Preconstruction departments to support team objectives and goals.
• Involve Operations personnel as appropriate to support bid strategy, project feasibility, and successful project transitions.
• Participate in bid pursuits and preconstruction assignments as directed by department leadership.
• Read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Perform quantity surveys and takeoffs.
• Produce conceptual and detailed estimates.
• Develop scopes of work and bid packages.
• Create bid lists and analyze subcontractor bids.
• Produce bid clarifications and support value engineering efforts.
• Assist in the production of General Conditions estimates.
• Propose project durations with support from the company's scheduling resources.
• Help manage the lead sheet on bid days, including global risk analysis of all trades, and provide recommendations to the supervisor on final bid price.
• Maintain knowledge of the construction market, including cost trends, price trends, competitor behavior, and owner contractor-selection criteria.
• Maintain knowledge of the local subcontractor market, including subcontractor capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and reputation across all trades.
• Use informed judgment when inviting subcontractors to bid or when using subcontractor pricing in estimates.
• Participate in preconstruction meetings and presentations, including defending estimates, collaborating with stakeholders, and helping manage client expectations.
• Participate in post-bid reviews with owners and consult with the Vice President of Preconstruction Services on negotiation parameters.
• Take responsibility for managing one or more core estimating elements, which may include the vendor list, internal price book, supplier list, or bid board.

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or Related field.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam or On Screen Takeoff.
• LEED Accreditation a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate, self-motivated and dedicated to high-quality work.
• Ability to perform duties in a digital/paperless environment.

• LEED Accreditation a plus.

This is an opportunity to join a respected commercial construction team and play a meaningful role in how projects are pursued,…