Job Description
Job Description
Project Engineer — High-End Residential Construction
Location
San Rafael, CA — Office-based with regular site visits across Marin and San Francisco
Employment Type
Full-time, exempt
Reports To
Project Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a Project Engineer to support high-end residential construction projects, including custom homes and major remodels. This role will work closely with subcontractors, field teams, architects, designers, and the Project Manager to ensure projects stay on schedule, within budget, and properly documented.
Key Responsibilities
Schedule & Coordination
- Serve as a primary point of contact between subcontractors, field teams, and the office
- Support development and review of baseline schedules
- Maintain three-week look-ahead schedules and identify potential conflicts
- Take and distribute owner, architect, and designer meeting minutes
- Coordinate inspections and permit close-outs
Documentation
- Manage submittals from logging through approval and distribution
- Manage RFIs, including drafting questions, tracking responses, and distributing information
- Track open items through resolution
- Review shop drawings for millwork, windows and doors, metalwork, tile, stone, and other finishes
- Prepare project correspondence and status documentation
- Review contract conditions and support compliance
- Maintain project photos, as-builts, and daily records
Procurement & Long-Lead Items
- Track long-lead materials against the construction schedule
- Support subcontractor buyout by assembling scope sheets and leveling bids
- Manage purchase orders and subcontractor change orders
- Coordinate material selections, mockups, and sample approvals
Cost Management
- Prepare backup documentation for change orders
- Track allowances against actual costs
- Identify and report cost variances
- Support monthly billing, subcontractor payments, and cost reporting
- Prepare written explanations for cost variances
Field & Problem-Solving
- Conduct weekly job walks with the Superintendent
- Verify installed work against approved submittals
- Review mockups and assist with quality checks
- Identify project risks and recommend solutions
- Address field issues and recommend alternatives
- Maintain relationships with owners, subcontractors, and design partners
- Support punch-list documentation and project closeout
Required Qualifications
- 2–5 years of residential or commercial construction experience with a general contractor or builder
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing, means and methods, and building details
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications
- Strong technical writing skills, including RFIs and scope narratives
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and cost/budget management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Commitment to safety requirements
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for site visits
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field
- High-end or custom residential construction experience
- Experience in finish carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Experience with Procore, Buildertrend, or similar construction software
- Bluebeam Revu experience
- Bilingual English/Spanish
- Familiarity with Marin and San Francisco permitting and construction requirements
- Knowledge of hillside/geotechnical conditions, WUI/fire-hardening requirements, Title 24, or CalGreen compliance
Physical Requirements
- Walk on uneven ground and navigate active construction sites
- Climb ladders and stairs and access various areas of construction projects
- Perform physical labor as needed
- Calculate figures and amounts
- Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously