Entry Level Project Engineer Jobs in Kalispell, MT

As a Permit Technician, you will support the permitting process for Cushing Terrell's growing portfolio of national retail and grocery projects, working on-site or hybrid out of one of our offices. You will join a newly created permit group as the department's second Permit Technician, working closely with the Permit Manager, project teams, and municipal jurisdictions to keep permits moving from application to issuance.

Day to day you will identify the permitting scope for each project, prepare and submit applications and supporting documentation, and track jurisdiction contacts and permit status across projects in all 50 states. No two days look the same, some submittals take 30 minutes, others involve dozens of pages and multiple rounds of coordination. You'll create clean, accurate submittals and a growing base of jurisdiction knowledge that speeds up every future project. Prior permitting experience is not required, we are looking for someone with a background in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry, strong attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines at once.

Within the first year, you will be managing 50 to 75 permits at a time across different stages, will have built strong working relationships with AHJs across multiple states, and will be contributing ideas to the processes and procedures this new department is still building. There is a real growth path here, from entry-level Technician toward a future lead role as the department scales, and the group's scope is expected to expand into other permitting markets over time.

The expected salary range for this position is $51,000 to $57,000 annually.

• Experience in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry in some capacity, such as project coordination, construction administration, engineering support, or service coordination.
• Strong computer skills, comfortable navigating multiple programs and browser windows simultaneously (Smartsheet, Bluebeam, Outlook, and similar tools)
• High attention to detail, small errors in a submittal can result in costly delays
• Ability to manage several competing deadlines and priorities at once
• Adaptable and resourceful when a jurisdiction changes requirements or process mid-project
• Comfortable with an iterative process that includes review comments and resubmittals as a normal, routine part of the work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience coordinating or managing permit submittals for commercial, residential, solar, or signage projects
• Familiarity with permit requirements for grocery or retail projects
• Smartsheet experience

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don't meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don't want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!

• Identify the permitting scope for each project and prepare the applications and documentation required for submittal
• Track jurisdiction contacts and permit status across a growing portfolio of retail and grocery projects nationwide
• Submit permit applications to the appropriate jurisdictions and coordinate through the review process, resolving comments and resubmitting until permits are approved
• Partner with project architects and engineers to gather the documentation needed for each submittal
• Build and maintain working relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) across multiple states
• Maintain accurate tracking logs and status reports in Smartsheet to keep clients and project teams informed
• Flag permit delays and schedule risks to project teams before they impact timelines
• Contribute ideas to improve the permit group's internal processes as the department grows

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, "design meets you." Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CushingTerrell_BenefitsGuide_2026_rev.pdf

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.