Project Engineer - Commercial Construction

Job Description

Job Description

PROJECT ENGINEER | COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTIONStart Here. Grow Here. Build What's Next.

Downing is growing our Project Engineer team, and we're looking for both entry-level and experienced construction professionals ready to build their careers in commercial construction.

Whether you're preparing to graduate with a Construction Engineering or Construction Management degree, or you've already spent a few years gaining experience in the industry, we're interested in what you bring to the table and where you want to go next.

At Downing, our Project Engineers work alongside Project Managers, Superintendents, our in-house design team, trade partners, and clients to help turn ideas and plans into successful commercial projects.

You'll be given the opportunity to learn, contribute, take ownership, and grow. The level of responsibility will grow with your experience and demonstrated ability.

What You'll Do

As a Project Engineer, you'll be actively involved throughout the construction process, including:

• Partner with Project Managers and Superintendents to keep projects moving forward.
• Coordinate with architects, designers, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Manage project documentation including submittals, RFIs, drawings, specifications, and other critical project information.
• Assist with project schedules, procurement, cost tracking, change management, and overall project coordination.
• Spend time in the field gaining firsthand understanding of construction progress and helping identify and resolve challenges.
• Review plans and specifications to identify conflicts, questions, and opportunities before they become problems.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with the people responsible for delivering a successful project.
• Take increasing ownership of project responsibilities as your knowledge, experience, and confidence grow.

What We're Looking For

There isn't one path to being successful at Downing. We're interested in candidates who have a strong foundation, a willingness to learn, and the drive to continue advancing their career.

For entry-level candidates:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
• Relevant internship or construction experience strongly preferred
• Foundational understanding of commercial construction processes, plans, and specifications
• An eagerness to learn, ask questions, and get involved

For experienced candidates:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
• Previous commercial construction experience in a Project Engineer or similar role
• Working knowledge of project documentation, construction technology, schedules, procurement, and project coordination
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and work through project challenges

For everyone:

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on commitments
• Confidence to ask questions, raise concerns, and participate in difficult conversations when needed
• A team-first mindset paired with personal accountability

Why Downing?

For 60 years, Downing has been building projects throughout Central Iowa. Just as importantly, we've been building the people behind them.

We're a Des Moines-area design-build general contractor, bringing design and construction expertise together under one roof. Our work includes medical and dental, industrial and warehouse, multifamily, Class A office, and a variety of privately owned commercial projects.

Our size creates something valuable: access and opportunity!

You'll work directly with experienced construction professionals. You'll see how decisions are made. You'll gain exposure to both the design and construction sides of the business. And you won't have to wait years before you're given an opportunity to contribute.

For someone beginning their career, that means the chance to learn the right way, from people who know the work.

For someone bringing experience, it means the opportunity to step in, contribute immediately, and continue expanding your responsibility.

We believe strong careers are built through experience, accountability, relationships, and opportunity.

If you're looking for a place to start your commercial construction career or a place to take it further, we'd like to meet you.

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