Engineering Assistant Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an Engineering & Estimating Manager to help lead New England Air Systems into its next era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence. This senior hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving company growth, overseeing engineering and preconstruction activities, along with ensuring accurate, competitive bids with high-quality project execution. This position is ideal for someone who knows mechanical HVAC construction inside and out - and who is ready to drive both big-picture strategy and day-to-day excellence across our estimating, engineering, design, and sales teams.

You'll shape how we win work, manage resources, and strengthen client relationships, all while ensuring the quality, compliance, and craftsmanship NEAS is known for. Your work will span everything from reviewing final bid packages to guiding engineering standards, improving workflows, and refining our go-to-market strategies.

This is a full-time, 5 days a week, in-office hands-on role based in Williston, Vermont reporting directly to the owner.

In this role, you will be responsible for

Business Development

• Oversee and identify sales prospects, negotiate with clients, create proposals, and the successful close sales efforts.
• Help manage and develop the company's construction and design build work.
• Lead business development efforts by interfacing with potential and current clients to build strong relationships and identify, vet, and pursue new business in alignment with the company's strategic focus.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and industry partners.
• Lead the pursuit of client and post-bid negotiations to secure new work.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow revenue and expand market share.
• Represent the company at selective industry functions (local and out of state).

Engineering and CAD Coordination 

• Oversee engineering design and drawing review for accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
• Manage CAD/Revit team to ensure timely and precise preparation of drawings and documentation.
• Support engineering efforts to optimize cost, efficiency, and client satisfaction by reviewing designs, specifications, and identifying value engineering opportunities.
• Review SMACNA and B-31 welding compliance
• Provide reviews of proposals, design narratives, and design-build documentation.
• Develop and maintain code compliance understanding, requirements, and construction methodology.
• Develop standards and procedures to ensure quality standards are met and maintained.

Estimating, Preconstruction and Project Delivery 

• Oversee complete detailed competitive bid packages including qualification materials, project estimate, bid schedules, budgets and proposals with the estimating team.
• Oversee proposal development, presentations, and contract negotiations.
• Ensure estimates align with project scope, budget, and company goals.
• Review request for proposals and final numbers with owner and estimating employees prior to delivery.
• Review proposals and provide guidance on pricing strategy and risk management
• Review and develop estimating rates, fabrication rates, costs, and labor hours for the company with owner.
• Work to expand market share/ diversity of client for water jet services and other custom fabrication opportunities.
• Collaborate with Engineers and Project Managers for system development, documentation, specification and for field installation standards and compliance with design documents.
• Assist Project Managers with on-site visits, installation reviews, and trouble-shooting matters.

Leadership and Team Management Responsibilities

• Leads, mentors and develops employees across team.  
• Coordinate workflow between your department to others to ensure efficiency and collaboration.
• Ensure accountability and professional growth within the team.
• Hires and trains new employees in the Estimating & Design Department.
• Supports the daily workflow of the estimating & design department with helping the team to prioritize tasks, workload and scheduling.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Checks in on team members daily and has monthly departmental meetings.
• Leads the sales meeting every week.
• Ensures Standard Operating Procedures for all team members are in place and reviewed quarterly.
• Creates professional development plans for team members including creating cross functional training plan for all employees to have backups.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 75 lbs occasionally and 50 lbs repetitively
• Ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time.
• Shall be in compliance with NEAS safety policies at all times, by wearing the proper PPE for each job task as required by VOSHA, OSHA, and NIOSH guidelines
• The ability to climb and work from up to a 40-foot ladder

The team you will be joining:

Joining our Estimating and Design team means becoming part of a highly collaborative group that forms the foundation of every project. This team is made up of estimators, sales professionals, mechanical engineers, and designers, all working together to lay the groundwork for successful project execution. The Estimating and Design team combines expertise from various disciplines to provide accurate cost estimates, innovative design solutions, and ensure technical feasibility, all while adhering to industry standards. With a focus on teamwork and shared knowledge, this group thrives on creating seamless project foundations and delivering high-quality results. As a member of this team, you'll be joining a group that is dedicated to supporting one another and ensuring the success of every project.

Who we are looking for

• Lead and grow our construction and design-build market share with strategic vision and execution.
• Manage the estimating and design departments, including staff development, workload planning, and scheduling.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying new business opportunities and securing project wins.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of complete bid packages, qualification materials, budgets, and proposals.
• Review and improve estimating rates, costs, labor hours, and fabrication methodology in collaboration with leadership.
• Support Project Managers in setting and maintaining standards for installation, code compliance, and documentation.
• Train and mentor staff with a focus on professional growth, cross-functional knowledge, and succession planning.
• Collaborate with the President and senior leadership team on strategic planning, company goals, financial oversight, and HR matters.
• Strong knowledge of estimating, design, project execution, sales, and construction methodologies.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills in fast-paced environments.
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience developing and leading high-performing teams, with a focus on accountability and growth.
• Proficiency with creating SOPs, reviewing SMACNA compliance, and managing cross-functional department operations.
• A positive, collaborative attitude and the ability to lead by example in both the field and the office.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of senior-level management or supervisory experience, preferably in the HVAC, plumbing, or construction industry.
• Great understanding of the HVAC and Plumbing business and trades.
• Vermont and New Hampshire Professional Engineering License is a plus.
• Proven track record in business development, operations management and team leadership.
• Strong financial and business acumen with experience in budgeting.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Extensive knowledge of estimating, and design-build processes in commercial mechanical systems.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, including estimating, design, engineering, and project management.
• Experience in business development, client relationship management, and contract negotiations.
• Strong understanding of SMACNA standards, code compliance, and construction methodologies.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting construction documents, blueprints, and bid specifications.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and drive results across departments.
• Familiarity with fabrication processes, estimating software, and industry-standard tools a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, mechanical engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered

Who we are

New England Air Systems isn't just a mechanical systems contractor-we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and skilled professionals who are passionate about building smarter, more efficient environments. Headquartered in Williston, Vermont, with locations in Rutland, VT, and West Lebanon, NH, we've been trusted by clients across Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York since 1972.

We believe that great work starts with great people. That's why we foster a culture built on collaboration, growth, and excellence. As one of Vermont's top employers, we invest in our team through ongoing training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities-ensuring that you're not just doing a job but building a career.

Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $130,000 to $160,000. We determine final compensation based on discussions with applicants and their experience in similar roles.

• A competitive salary
• Medical Insurance with a Health Reimbursement Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance for employees and their dependents
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Accounts
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Provided Uniforms for Field Employees
• Company-Supplied Power Tools and Equipment