United Piping, Inc. is seeking an experienced, strategic Vice President of Engineering & Project Controls to lead Engineering, Project Controls, Quality, Estimating, and Research & Development. As a member of the senior leadership team, this executive will strengthen the systems, standards, and accountability needed to deliver safe, high-quality, profitable projects on time and on budget.
This role partners closely with Operations, Project Management, Field Leadership, Business Development, HSE, and Workforce Compliance to improve performance across the full project lifecycle—from pursuit and estimating through engineering, execution, closeout, and lessons learned.
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Provide strategic and operational leadership for Engineering, Project Controls, Quality, Estimating, and R&D.
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Establish consistent standards for estimating, budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, reporting, risk management, change management, quality, and project closeout.
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Monitor project financial, schedule, productivity, quality, and risk performance; support recovery plans and corrective actions.
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Drive engineering excellence through constructability, technical standards, design reviews, document control, and field-focused technical support.
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Lead estimating and preconstruction processes, including bid reviews, risk assessments, opportunity evaluation, and project handoffs.
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Advance quality systems, inspection and testing practices, corrective actions, and performance reporting.
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Champion continuous improvement, technology adoption, data-driven decision-making, and scalable business systems.
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Build, develop, and retain high-performing teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and disciplined execution.
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Promote the company’s commitment to safety, ethics, compliance, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
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15+ years of progressive leadership experience in industrial construction, engineering, project controls, estimating, fabrication, or complex project delivery.
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Senior leadership experience in industrial construction, piping, fabrication, utilities, energy, or a similar industry.
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Strong knowledge of estimating, scheduling, cost control, forecasting, productivity, quality systems, risk management, change management, and project execution.
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Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and improving business processes and project-delivery systems.
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PE, PMP, or other relevant certification preferred.
This is a full-time executive role with regular travel to project sites, fabrication facilities, and customer locations—up to 50%. Flexibility outside standard business hours may occasionally be required. A hybrid schedule may be available based on business needs.
Benefits and Compensation
This role will be eligible for hybrid work flexibility based out of our either our Duluth, MN or Yorkville, IL office. The pay range is $201,900 - $252,500, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for annual bonus and profit sharing based on company performance in addition to other benefits that support the total well-being of you and your family. Some benefits include:
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Comprehensive Insurance coverage, Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
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Wellness Program
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401K with employer match
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Discounted company stock (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
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Profit Sharing
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Generous paid time off
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Hybrid work environment
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Growth opportunities through company sponsored leadership development courses and training
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
All offers of employment are expressly contingent upon the satisfactory completion, in accordance with Company policy, of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
