Project Engineer

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, estimated, and won. As a Preconstruction Manager, you will work across estimating, operations, client relationships, subcontractor engagement, and bid strategy.

You will have the opportunity to build technical depth in preconstruction, contribute to high-impact pursuits, participate in client-facing meetings, and grow toward greater leadership within the Preconstruction department. The role is well-suited for someone who enjoys problem solving, collaboration, market analysis, and the details that help turn an opportunity into a successful project.

Coakley & Williams Construction offers a comprehensive total compensation and benefits package that includes health, dental and vision coverage, employer-matched 401(k), paid time off and holidays, performance-based bonuses, a wellness program, and other voluntary benefits and leave types.

In accordance with the Maryland Wage Transparency Law, the base salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $140,000.00.

The determination of salary is based on the candidate's individual professional experience, qualifications, education, skills, and training.

Individuals should be able to reach above and below, stoop and bend, sit, walk, and stand. Individuals should also be able to lift, carry and/or move items up to 50 lbs. This role may be exposed to heavy machinery/equipment, hazardous chemicals, and extreme weather conditions.

A minimum of 40 hours per week is required. Work hours will vary depending on project specifications and may involve weekends and night work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work required. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, physical job demands, or working conditions associated with the job. Successful candidates will seek additional responsibilities and opportunities to grow their skills in support of the company's goals.

Coakley & Williams Construction is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or assignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.

Coakley & Williams Construction promotes a drug-free workplace.