Project Engineer

Job Description

Project Engineer - HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Service Projects

Location: Chesapeake, VA

Salary: $60,000-$100,000
Position Summary

Our client is seeking a Project Engineer in Chesapeake, Virginia , to support its sales and service operations teams in developing profitable, design-build commercial HVAC, plumbing, and electrical projects. This position focuses primarily on owner-direct clients and plays an important role in project estimating, system design, proposal development, technical sales support, and project turnover.

The ideal candidate has experience in the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical contracting industry , along with a strong understanding of service operations, construction estimating, equipment selection, and design-build project development.
About Our Client

Our client is an established, full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor serving commercial and industrial customers. Its teams support a range of operations, including commercial construction, mechanical service, industrial refrigeration, manufacturing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.

Known for quality workmanship, technical expertise, and responsive customer service, our client offers employees opportunities for professional growth, advancement, and long-term career development.
Benefits

• Competitive salary of $60,000-$100,000
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee referral incentives

Project Engineer Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients and the sales team to define project scope and develop competitive bid strategies.
• Support the development of design-build HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service projects for owner-direct clients.
• Conduct site surveys and gather the technical information required to estimate and propose work.
• Perform equipment sizing and selections based on project requirements.
• Create drawings, sketches, and supporting documentation for estimating and permitting purposes.
• Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes.
• Identify potential jobsite hazards, project risks, and constructability concerns.
• Prepare proposal drafts for management and administrative review.
• Perform complete material and labor takeoffs based on plans, specifications, and field conditions.
• Develop accurate project estimates, budgets, and pricing for pipeline opportunities.
• Follow established procedures for bid qualification, go/no-go decisions, CRM documentation, bid review, and signature authority.
• Provide technical support during contract and change-order negotiations.
• Review project estimates prepared by sales and service team members.
• Communicate project scope, pricing assumptions, schedules, and requirements to operations through formal project turnover meetings.
• Assist operations teams with technical questions during project execution.
• Mentor installation team members and provide technical guidance when needed.
• Promote the use and adoption of field technology and documentation platforms, including XOi and Canvas.
• Maintain accurate sales, estimating, and project documentation throughout the project development process.

Qualifications

• Experience in the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical construction, or commercial service industry.
• Experience in sales, estimating, project engineering, or service operations.
• Knowledge of commercial HVAC and plumbing systems, design principles, equipment, and service requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Experience performing construction takeoffs and preparing project estimates.
• Ability to size and select HVAC, plumbing, or electrical equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong computer, keyboarding, and data-entry skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with clients, sales professionals, field teams, subcontractors, and operations leaders.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing owner-direct, design-build mechanical projects.
• Experience with commercial HVAC or plumbing service projects.
• Experience preparing technical proposals and supporting project sales.
• Familiarity with CRM, estimating, field documentation, or construction management software.
• Experience using XOi, Canvas, or similar field technology platforms.
• Experience supporting contract negotiations, change orders, and project handoffs.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.