Project Engineer - Career Start - Mission Critical - Frederick, MD
The Project Engineer role is an entry-level position within Confidential Client's two-year Career Start rotational program, designed for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience across Project Management, Estimating, and Field Operations. The role involves supporting various construction project phases including bid preparation, subcontractor coordination, schedule review, quality control, and contract administration, providing a comprehensive foundation for a career in construction management. This position emphasizes Suffolk's core values and offers exposure to complex, mission-critical projects in a dynamic, on-site environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Trade & Construction.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is seeking entry-level Project Engineers to join a two-year Career Start rotational program focused on mission-critical construction projects. This rotational program includes three eight-month rotations through Estimating, Field Operations, and Project Management designed for recent college graduates (0–2 years’ experience) who want hands-on learning and rapid development.
What You’ll Do
You will rotate through three core areas. Typical responsibilities include:
Estimating
- Assist with maintaining and using a subcontractor database
- Help assemble bid documents for pricing
- Perform document take-offs (quantity take-offs using digitizers/manual scales, specification review)
- Organize take-offs and estimates in spreadsheets
- Develop bid clarifications and RFIs
- Participate in project walk-throughs as needed
- Coordinate trade durations with subcontractors for schedule input
- Support development and updating of scope sheets and trade spreadsheets
- Assist with subcontractor pricing and preparation of detailed estimates
- Participate in architect/owner meetings and preparation of hard bids
- Draft qualifications, assumptions, accepted value engineering, alternate pricing, and document lists
Field Operations
- Learn document control basics and maintain project files
- Read and process basic shop drawings and verify field conditions
- Support quality control and punch list activities
- Assist with site logistics and the Construction Management Plan
- Help establish and maintain vertical and horizontal control on projects
- Support safety requirements and baseline schedule updates
- Assist superintendent with daily reports and project documentation
Project Management
- Support creation and administration of change orders
- Assist with procurement and subcontract/PO processes
- Help process vendor and subcontractor requisitions and back charges
- Support owner requisition and submittal processes
- Contribute to punch list, O&M manuals, and as-built/warranty documentation
- Participate in project meetings and coordination activities
Who You Are (Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Liberal Arts, or related field
- 0–2 years of related experience (entry-level candidates encouraged)
- Comfortable with common office software; computer literate
- Strong communication skills — written and verbal
- Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized
- Demonstrates core professional values: passion, integrity, strong work ethic, professionalism, and caring
- Willingness to work in both office and jobsite environments and to travel to project locations as required
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
While performing duties, employees will primarily work in an office environment with frequent site visits. Regular requirements include sitting for extended periods, speaking/hearing, fine motor skills for keyboarding and writing, standing/walking on job sites, reaching, and vision abilities (close/distance/depth perception). The role includes moderate physical activity when on-site.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated base salary: $104,736 per year (estimated by Confidential Client)
- Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package including: market-leading medical, dental, and vision plans; virtual care options; generous paid time off; 401(k) with employer match; company life insurance options; short- and long-term disability; commuter benefits where applicable; and additional employee support programs.
- Actual salary may vary based on skills, experience, education, and other qualifications.
Why Join
This Career Start program is designed to accelerate your learning curve with structured rotations, mentorship, and exposure to mission-critical projects across estimating, field operations, and project management. You’ll develop practical skills, build relationships across teams, and prepare for long-term growth in construction project delivery.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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