Project Engineer

Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC Preconstruction Manager Main Office (Bethesda, MD) Language Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC Preconstruction Manager Main Office (Bethesda, MD) Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC Preconstruction Manager Main Office (Bethesda, MD) Language Department 110 Location Main Office (Bethesda, MD) Position Type Full Time Salary $90,000.00 - $140,000.00 a year Requisition 2026-40 Open Date 07/01/2026 Close Date Description Coakley & Williams Construction is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects within our public, government, and federal business line.
This role supports the full preconstruction process, from early pursuit and conceptual estimating through bid review, value engineering, client presentations, and project transition. The Preconstruction Manager will help secure profitable new work, identify and manage project risk, strengthen client and subcontractor relationships, and develop accurate, competitive estimates.
The ideal candidate brings direct experience managing preconstruction for government construction projects. Public-sector construction experience is preferred. This position is well suited for a mid-level or senior construction professional with strong estimating expertise, knowledge of all major trades, and the ability to manage multiple pursuits in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Preconstruction and Estimating
Manage preconstruction and estimating activities for public, government, federal, and commercial construction projects.
Support project pursuits from early opportunity evaluation through final bid review and project handoff.
Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction estimates.
Read and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and related project documents.
Perform quantity surveys and detailed takeoffs.
Develop scopes of work, bid packages, and subcontractor bid lists.
Solicit, review, level, and analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals.
Prepare bid clarifications, exclusions, assumptions, and risk assessments.
Support value engineering, constructability reviews, and design-assist discussions.
Assist in preparing General Conditions estimates.
Propose project durations in coordination with company scheduling resources.
Help manage the lead sheet on bid days, including global risk analysis across all trades.
Provide recommendations to Preconstruction leadership regarding final bid strategy and pricing.
Government and Public-Sector Pursuits
Apply knowledge of government procurement, public-sector construction requirements, and competitive bidding environments.
Support bid strategy for public, federal, and government construction opportunities.
Identify project risks related to scope, schedule, procurement, pricing, phasing, logistics, and subcontractor participation.
Participate in preconstruction meetings, estimate reviews, client presentations, and post-bid discussions.
Defend estimates and clearly explain pricing, assumptions, risks, and recommended alternatives.
Collaborate with clients, design teams, consultants, and internal stakeholders to manage expectations throughout preconstruction.
Business Development and Client Relationships
Help secure new work that aligns with company profitability goals.
Develop and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, subcontractors, and industry partners.
Support long-term business development efforts within the public, government, and federal construction markets.
Represent Coakley & Williams Construction at industry events, trade shows, networking functions, career fairs, and professional organizations.
Participate in post-bid reviews with owners and consult with the Vice President of Preconstruction Services regarding negotiation strategy and parameters.
Market and Subcontractor Management
Maintain current knowledge of construction costs, escalation, labor conditions, material pricing, competitor behavior, and owner selection criteria.
Develop a strong understanding of the local subcontractor market across all major trades.
Evaluate subcontractor capabilities, capacity, performance, reputation, and pricing reliability.
Use informed judgment when selecting subcontractors to bid and when incorporating subcontractor pricing into estimates.
Take ownership of one or more core estimating resources, including the vendor list, internal price book, supplier list, or bid board.
Internal Collaboration
Collaborate with Preconstruction, Estimating, Operations, Scheduling, and project teams.
Involve Operations personnel during pursuits to strengthen bid strategy, project feasibility, and project transitions.
Support department objectives, estimating standards, and continuous improvement efforts.
Maintain accurate documentation in a digital, paperless work environment.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or Related field.
Experience managing preconstruction for government construction projects. Public-sector construction experience is preferred.
Fluency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam or On Screen Takeoff.
Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
Passionate, self-motivated and dedicated to high-quality work.
Ability to perform duties in a digital/paperless environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting public, municipal, state, federal, institutional, or other government-funded construction projects.
Experience leading conceptual estimating, design development estimating, bid leveling, and value engineering.
Strong knowledge of subcontractor markets and construction costs in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia region.
Experience participating in client presentations and public-sector project pursuits.
LEED Accreditation a plus.
Why Join Coakley & Williams Construction?
This is an opportunity to join a respected commercial construction team and play a meaningful role in how public, government, and federal projects are pursued, estimated, and won.
As a Preconstruction Manager, you will work across estimating, operations, client relationships, subcontractor engagement, risk management, and bid strategy. You will have the opportunity to influence major pursuits, participate in client-facing meetings, and help shape projects before construction begins.
The role offers exposure to complex government and public-sector work, opportunities to deepen your technical preconstruction expertise, and a path toward increased leadership within the Preconstruction department.
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.
Wage Transparency
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.
Job Demands
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.Additional NoteThe 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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. Skills