Preconstruction Lead - MEP Construction

Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Lead for MEP construction to drive preconstruction activities from concept through design and pricing for commercial, data center, mission-critical, healthcare, and facilities projects. The Preconstruction Lead will coordinate estimating, constructability reviews, risk assessments, scope development, permitting, and early procurement planning to deliver accurate budgets, schedules, and feasible construction strategies. Success in this role requires technical MEP knowledge, strong project development and risk management skills, and proven leadership in cross-functional teams to support project win strategies and seamless transition into construction.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage all preconstruction phases for MEP scopes, including conceptual estimating, detailed estimating, value engineering, and pricing for bids and proposals.Develop and maintain accurate project budgets, cost models, and forecasting; reconcile estimates with design progress and stakeholder expectations.Conduct constructability reviews, identify technical and schedule risks, and develop mitigation strategies in coordination with engineering, design, and construction teams.Collaborate with estimating, engineering, procurement, and project management to define scope, long-lead items, procurement strategies, and phasing plans for mission-critical and commercial projects.Prepare and present preconstruction deliverables including basis of design, scope matrices, cost reports, risk registers, and executive summaries to owners and internal leadership.Coordinate permitting strategy and documentation with authorities having jurisdiction, ensuring timelines align with project milestones and procurement activities.Lead kickoff and handoff activities to ensure smooth transition of project knowledge to construction teams, including detailed scope walkdowns and constructability documentation.Manage subcontractor and vendor outreach during prequalification and solicitation phases; review subcontractor scopes and clarify interfaces to minimize scope gaps.Support proposals and pursuit strategies for Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) and other alternative delivery models by providing cost input, performance assumptions, and constructability advice.Utilize project management and collaboration tools (Procore, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, SharePoint, JDE) to organize preconstruction workflows, schedules, and documentation.Mentor and develop junior preconstruction staff, fostering best practices in estimating, scheduling, and constructability analysis.QualificationsBachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; PE preferred.10+ years of progressive experience in MEP preconstruction, estimating, or project development for data centers, healthcare, mission-critical, or large commercial projects.Demonstrated expertise in MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and familiarity with mechanical design principles and engineering coordination.Proven experience with estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and cost modeling tools and processes for complex projects.Strong understanding of constructability, permitting processes, procurement strategies, and long-lead item management.Experience with mission-critical facilities, data centers, and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) delivery models highly desired.Proficient with Procore, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, SharePoint, and JDE; familiarity with PXP, CCM, and project controls best practices.Knowledge of LEED, healthcare construction standards, and regulatory/joint readiness or owner requirements for secure facilities.Excellent communication and presentation skills; experience leading kickoff meetings, owner reviews, and cross-discipline workshops.PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred; PE license and CCM credential a plus.Strong leadership and collaboration skills with proven ability to drive decisions, manage risk, and deliver preconstruction packages on schedule.BenefitsCompetitive Base Salary: $120k - $165kTravel ExpensesPerformance BonusCar AllowanceHealth InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceRetirement PlansPaid Time OffPaid Holidays