Job Profile: Preconstruction Engineer
Position Summary
The Preconstruction Engineer is a critical link between business development and project execution at US-O Building Company. Working across the US-Offsite ecosystem, they deliver fast, accurate ROM estimates to potential clients alongside the USO Factory Director of Business Development, and produce detailed preconstruction and contract estimates in partnership with the Preconstruction Coordinator. Their clarity, speed, and reliability in estimating directly support USOBC's ability to win projects, set accurate client expectations, and protect gross profit from the earliest stage of every project.
The Preconstruction Engineer reports directly to the Preconstruction Coordinator.
Success Criteria
1. ROM Estimate Delivery - The Preconstruction Engineer delivers rapid, accurate Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates to potential clients in partnership with the USO Factory Director of Business Development, using USOBC historical data to support the business development pipeline.
2. Preconstruction & Contract Estimate Accuracy - The Preconstruction Engineer produces detailed, project-specific estimates and contract estimates in collaboration with the Preconstruction Coordinator, using construction documents and subcontractor pricing to support Deliverables.
3. Stakeholder Communication & Timeline Accountability - The Preconstruction Engineer communicates effectively across the USOBC and US-Offsite ecosystem, sets clear expectations with all stakeholders, and consistently meets deliverable timelines.
Responsibilities
Success Criteria 1 — ROM Estimate Delivery
- Partner with the USO Factory Director of Business Development to understand client project parameters and required estimate scope
- Produce ROM estimates quickly and accurately using USOBC historical cost data, prior project benchmarks, and modular construction unit rates
- Clearly document all assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications included in every ROM estimate
- Deliver ROM estimates within agreed turnaround time — speed and accuracy are equal priorities
- Maintain and continuously update the USOBC historical data library to improve ROM estimate accuracy over time
- Flag any project parameters that fall outside historical data norms and escalate to Preconstruction Coordinator before delivering estimate
Success Criteria 2 — Preconstruction & Contract Estimate Accuracy
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from construction documents using the CSI Division 01–33 framework
- Develop accurate material, labor, and equipment cost estimates for all scope categories
- Identify jurisdiction-specific cost drivers including LIDS, fire department requirements, storm drain design, steel fabrication, and special design elements
- Collaborate with the Preconstruction Coordinator on CD markups, shop drawing development, and scope change tracking
- Support the Project Manager's pricing lap — validate design intent against project budget and flag gaps for immediate escalation
- Compile complete bid packages per scope category using USOBC's CSI division framework within allocated budget hours
- Support the Project Manager in preparing RFP packages and participate in 30-minute subcontractor scope meetings — document VE ideas, scope gaps, long lead items, and referrals
- Assist with bid leveling — compare subcontractor proposals across base bid, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, and unit prices
- Ensure all estimates are reviewed and approved by the Preconstruction Coordinator before submission to client or use in contract
Success Criteria 3 — Stakeholder Communication & Timeline Accountability
- Communicate proactively with all stakeholders across the USOBC and US-Offsite ecosystem — Project Managers, Preconstruction Coordinator, Director of Business Development, and Admin
- Set clear expectations at the start of every estimate engagement: scope of the estimate, assumptions, timeline to delivery, and what is needed from each stakeholder
- Meet all committed estimate delivery timelines — communicate proactively if a timeline is at risk before the deadline, not after
- Use the formal RFI process to communicate scope questions and clarifications — document all responses
- Maintain accurate and current project data in Monday Roadmap — update cost catalogue, cost codes, and estimating records after every project award
- Compile and file all bid packages and estimates in Monday Roadmap per USOBC document filing standards
- Attend and prepare for Level 10 meetings — preparation completed by 5:00 PM the day prior
- Maintain competency in USOBC estimating standards, modular construction methods, and CSI cost code accuracy
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $60,000 – $85,000 base
- Schedule: Full-time, 40+ hours/week
Benefits (after 90 days):
- 80 hours paid vacation (accrues and increases annually)
- 40 hours annual sick pay
- 7 paid holidays
- 401(k) with up to 3.5% employer match
- Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
Key Competencies
- ROM Estimating Speed & Accuracy: Ability to produce fast, reliable rough order of magnitude estimates utilizing historical data
- Preconstruction Estimating Depth: Detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates from complex construction documents
- Modular Construction Knowledge: Understanding of multifamily modular construction, CSI divisions, and USOBC's Preconstruction workflow
- Stakeholder Communication: Clear, proactive communicator who sets expectations and keeps commitments across the full USOBC-US-Offsite ecosystem
- Timeline Accountability: Consistently meets deliverable deadlines and communicates proactively when timelines are at risk
- Administrative Discipline: Maintains data accuracy across Monday Roadmap, cost codes, and Estimate versions
- Technology: Proficient in MS 365 Suite, MS Excel, and project management platforms
Requirements
- Bachelor's of Science in Engineering (any discipline)
- Strong Problem-Solving skills and the ability to craft systems.
- A genuine interest in learning multifamily modular construction
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Valid driver's license required
Disclaimers
- All job applications shall remain open and valid for a period of 90 days.
- If you intentionally falsify your application, the Company may terminate the employee.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
