Project Engineer Procurement - Data Center
The Project Engineer Procurement acts as the owner's representative on a hyperscale data center project, coordinating procurement and delivery of critical equipment to align with construction milestones. This role supports project management through technical communication, documentation, and logistics to ensure timely installation and compliance with project standards. It is an entry-level to early-career position ideal for candidates seeking growth in mission-critical construction environments.
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, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
This on-site, project-based role supports a hyperscale data center build in Cedar Rapids, IA as the owner’s representative focused on procurement and equipment logistics. As a Project Engineer (Procurement) you will track owner‑furnished equipment (servers, cooling systems, electrical gear, generators), coordinate vendors and contractors, align deliveries to construction milestones, and support the owner’s project team with submittals, RFIs, schedules, and documentation. This role is entry-level to early-career and is ideal for recent graduates or engineers looking to grow in mission‑critical construction.
What you’ll do
- Track and coordinate orders for owner-furnished equipment, including servers, cooling systems, electrical panels, switchgear, and generators
- Work with vendors to confirm specifications, lead times, packaging, and shipping details
- Align equipment delivery schedules with construction milestones to avoid delays
- Coordinate with contractors for receipt, storage, and installation per design requirements
- Serve as a liaison between field teams, engineers, and vendors
- Communicate technical specs and installation requirements to the field
- Review drawings and specifications to support proper equipment installation
- Support RFI responses, submittal reviews, and schedule updates
- Maintain accurate procurement records, delivery timelines, and installation progress
- Coordinate equipment inspections, testing, and commissioning activities
- Identify and resolve logistics issues (delayed shipments, damaged equipment, installation conflicts)
- Assist with subcontractor coordination, material tracking, and site logistics
- Support budget tracking, change order processing, and procurement planning
- Track progress, maintain project documentation, and assist with punch list completion
- Verify compliance with project standards, safety regulations, and contractual obligations
Who you are
- 0–3 years’ experience in construction, project engineering, procurement, or logistics (entry-level OK)
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field
- Internship or project experience on commercial, industrial, or data center projects preferred
- Able to read construction drawings and specifications
- Strong organizational skills with a focus on schedules, deliveries, and detail tracking
- Comfortable with Excel and willing to learn tools such as Procore, Primavera P6, or Smartsheet
- Hold or willing to obtain OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 construction certification
- Dependable with strong attendance and responsiveness
- Able to manage rapidly changing priorities and multiple tasks
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with all project stakeholders, including Confidential Client management, owners, architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and suppliers
- Comfortable with flexible work hours (average ~50 hours/week as needed)
- Willing to relocate to the Cedar Rapids, IA area for the project duration (relocation assistance or per diem may be available for qualified candidates)
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
Expectations & performance
- Meet established goals while ensuring quality through accuracy and thoroughness
- Be flexible, well organized, and detail oriented; use effective time management to meet deadlines
- Make timely decisions using sound judgment while keeping appropriate people informed
- Proactively identify issues and recommend solutions to keep the project on track
- Be proficient with Microsoft Office and project tracking/scheduling software
- Continuously grow job knowledge and apply new skills effectively
Physical requirements & location
- Walk active construction sites (data halls, mechanical yards, electrical rooms) for extended periods
- Occasionally work outdoors in hot, cold, or humid conditions
- Occasionally stand, climb, bend, and stoop
- Use visual and auditory skills and wear required personal protective equipment
- This position is on-site at a hyperscale data center project in the Cedar Rapids, IA area and is tied to the duration of the project
Compensation & employment type
- Estimated pay (from the source posting): $80,585 per year (estimated)
- Employment type: Full‑time / Contractor (project-based, exempt)
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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