Project Engineer, Operations Manager

Job Description

The Mechanical Project Engineer is a vital contributor to the success of our construction projects, serving as the technical backbone for planning, coordination, and execution. From reviewing drawings and managing RFIs to supporting submittals, procurement, and quality control, this role ensures every system is designed and delivered with precision.

You'll work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to resolve technical challenges, coordinate with design teams, and keep projects aligned with schedule and budget. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to apply both critical thinking and mechanical expertise in the field.

Mechanical Project Engineers are valued for their problem-solving ability, communication skills, and attention to detail. Their work supports seamless collaboration between design and construction, helping bring complex systems to life safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

RK Industries (RK) is a second-generation family-owned business built on hard work and strong values. Led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning, we take pride in delivering a wide range of hands-on services including construction, manufacturing, custom fabrication, and building services. With seven specialized business units working in close coordination, we ensure every job is done right from start to finish.

Our proven methods, focus on safety, and commitment to quality help bring our customers' biggest ideas to life.

Maintenance and administration functions necessary for successful completion of projects. Processing submittals, expediting deliveries, generating and tracking all administrative documentation and preparing project closeout records. Assist with preparation of budgets, billings and change estimates, buyout and negotiation of subcontractors, monitoring of labor hours and project costs, coordination with owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. In-house coordination with field workforce, and estimating, purchasing and accounting departments, and processing accounts payable.

• Assist with and/or perform the following as delegated by the assigned Project Manager:
• Manage contractual agreements with owners, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, field staff, and within RKMI's management system.
• Ensure daily corporate documentation is completed and up to date, including time cards, daily reports, additional work authorizations, receiving documents, as-built drawings, etc.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and scope of work for contractual agreements issued to RKMI in accordance with corporate policies and procedures, and estimate bid proposal.
• Prepare and distribute initial project budget.
• Coordinate and attend RKMI in-house pre-construction meetings.
• Ensure permits and/or licenses are obtained and current for project.
• Coordinate timely completion and thorough buy-out procedures on materials and equipment, in conjunction with the superintendent and purchasing department, with emphasis on maintaining all buy-outs under the established budget.
• Ensure superintendent's take-offs are complete, accurate and on time.
• Buy-out, negotiate and issue all lower-tier subcontract(s), with emphasis on complete scopes in compliance with the contract documents and within the established budget.
• Oversee and coordinate the project submittal approval process.
• Responsible for proper/timely processing of shop drawings, product submittals, operation and maintenance manuals, and recording all as-built drawings.
• Responsible for the administration of the signed subcontract requirements with respect to conformance with the agreement, contract documents, and change orders.
• Assist in the development, preparation, and finalization of RKMI's mechanical construction CPM schedule with input from superintendent(s).
• Coordinate ordering, processing, and delivery of materials and equipment with vendors and purchasing department.
• Coordinate communications and correspondences from owners, general contractors, and subcontractors.
• Review reports, including those prepared by…