Project Engineer

The Mechanical Project Engineer is a vital contributor to the success of our construction projects, serving as the technical backbone for planning, coordination, and execution. From reviewing drawings and managing RFIs to supporting submittals, procurement, and quality control, this role ensures every system is designed and delivered with precision.

You'll work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to resolve technical challenges, coordinate with design teams, and keep projects aligned with schedule and budget. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to apply both critical thinking and mechanical expertise in the field.

Mechanical Project Engineers are valued for their problem-solving ability, communication skills, and attention to detail. Their work supports seamless collaboration between design and construction, helping bring complex systems to life safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

RK Overview

RK Industries (RK) is a second-generation family-owned business built on hard work and strong values. Led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning, we take pride in delivering a wide range of hands-on services including construction, manufacturing, custom fabrication, and building services. With seven specialized business units working in close coordination, we ensure every job is done right from start to finish. Our proven methods, focus on safety, and commitment to quality help bring our customers' biggest ideas to life.

Position Summary

Maintenance and administration functions necessary for successful completion of projects. Processing submittals, expediting deliveries, generating and tracking all administrative documentation and preparing project closeout records. Assist with preparation of budgets, billings and change estimates, buyout and negotiation of subcontractors, monitoring of labor hours and project costs, coordination with owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. In-house coordination with field workforce, and estimating, purchasing and accounting departments, and processing accounts payable.

Role Responsibilities

• Assist with and/or perform the following as delegated by the assigned Project Manager:
• Manage contractual agreements with owners, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, field staff, and within RKMI's management system.
• Ensure daily corporate documentation is completed and up to date, including time cards, daily reports, additional work authorizations, receiving documents, as-built drawings, etc.
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and scope of work for contractual agreements issued to RKMI in accordance with corporate policies and procedures, and estimate bid proposal.
• Prepare and distribute initial project budget.
• Coordinate and attend RKMI in-house pre-construction meetings.
• Ensure permits and/or licenses are obtained and current for project.
• Coordinate timely completion and thorough buy-out procedures on materials and equipment, in conjunction with the superintendent and purchasing department, with emphasis on maintaining all buy-outs under the established budget.
• Ensure superintendent's take-offs are complete, accurate and on time.
• Buy-out, negotiate and issue all lower-tier subcontract(s), with emphasis on complete scopes in compliance with the contract documents and within the established budget.
• Oversee and coordinate the project submittal approval process.
• Responsible for proper/timely processing of shop drawings, product submittals, operation and maintenance manuals, and recording all as-built drawings.
• Responsible for the administration of the signed subcontract requirements with respect to conformance with the agreement, contract documents, and change orders.
• Assist in the development, preparation, and finalization of RKMI's mechanical construction CPM schedule with input from superintendent(s).
• Coordinate ordering, processing, and delivery of materials and equipment with vendors and purchasing department.
• Coordinate communications and correspondences from owners, general contractors, and subcontractors.
• Review reports, including those prepared by local police, for completeness and accuracy, and forward to vice president of finance.
• Ensure project quality control procedures are followed during construction process, in accordance with the contract documents and RKMI's policies and procedures.
• Ensure that change orders requests (COR's) are processed in accordance with proper procedures, and that the superintendent has information required for implementation.
• Ensure change orders (CO's) are processed on time and are properly documented.
• Coordinate and track take-off orders, procurement and release of change orders items with the purchasing department and superintendent(s).
• Responsible for initiating, overseeing, and verifying billings.
• Verify that all materials invoiced and work billed has been delivered to and/or completed at job site.
• Review and monitor labor costs, hours, and projections with superintendent(s).
• Provide monthly and quarterly information to project manager, vice president of operations and vice president of finance, including but not limited to: forecasted estimate on costs required for completion of project, outstanding extra work total costs, and amount that has been performed but un-billed, encountered busts in the bid, and pending claims.
• Assist in legal claims as necessary.
• Responsible for job closeout being performed in proper and efficient manner and keeping the project manager and vice president of operation informed of closeout status.
• Monitor crafts compliance with company/project safety program requirements.
• Assist safety manager with preparation, documentation, and distribution of accident reports.
• Assist in resolution of conflicts with client, a/e liaison, etc.
• Optimize the profitability of the company by demonstrating the ability of a decision maker with reliable and mature judgment.

Qualifications

• Indirect supervision.
• Fully competent in all conventional aspects of subject matter or functional area.
• Plans and conducts work requiring judgment in independent evaluation, selection and substantial adaptation/modification of standards.
• Devises new solutions to problems encountered.
• Independently performs most assignments with instruction
• Receives guidance for unusual or complex problems and supervisor approval for changes in standards.
• 3-5 years of experience in a related position.
• College/university graduate or equivalent combination of skills and experience generally expected for specified technical roles

What Sets RK Industries Apart

• Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
• Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
• Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
• Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
• Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.