Machine Shop Project Manager Jobs in Marion, IA (NOW HIRING)

Now Hiring: Project Estimator / Project Manager
 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Full-time | Residential & Commercial Construction
 

$54,000-$77,000 salary plus performance commission | Six-figure earning potential

Thermal Shop is looking for a Project Manager / Project Estimator to join our Cedar Rapids team. You will estimate primarily residential insulation projects and manage them through completion. This includes reading plans, building accurate scopes and pricing, coordinating handoffs, communicating with customers & crews, managing changes, and closing out the job.

We are open to both early-career and experienced candidates. Direct insulation experience is not required, but you must bring a real foundation in construction, estimating, or project management. You will train directly with the owner and experienced project managers and estimators.

Job Duties:

• Read construction plans and site information to prepare accurate scopes, takeoffs, and pricing.
• Utilize STACK for takeoffs and our own in-house software platform for project management. You will help shape our estimating tools as we build them out.
• Manage projects you estimate from initial handoff through installation (including: change orders, final closeout, and coordinating scheduling).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for builders, homeowners, installers, and our internal team throughout the project.
• Visit local job sites to verify conditions, confirm scope, and resolve issues.
• Keep project information accurate for scheduling, production, billing, and customer communication.
• Contribute to improvements in estimating templates, project handoffs, and internal processes. We take process improvement seriously and good ideas get implemented.
• Support business development by helping onboard new clients, recognizing new opportunities, and directing qualified leads to the sales team.

Qualifications
You must be able to demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Direct experience in construction estimating or project management.
• Field experience in construction or a skilled trade.
• Education in construction management, project engineering, drafting, architecture, or closely related field.
• Meaningful construction experience gained through a family trade business or a similar hands-on background.

Beyond that, we are looking for strong analytical and problem-solving ability, patience and attention to detail (accurate, consistent bids are the heart of this job), excellent organization, and clear written and verbal communication. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required.

Schedule and expectations
This is an in-person position based in Cedar Rapids. The role averages approximately 50 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with most workdays beginning between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Project managers are expected to make necessary visits to their job sites to ensure project success.

Compensation and advancement

• $54,000-$77,000 base salary while training, depending on experience and demonstrated ability.
• Project-based commission on top of base salary after training period, paid on the work you estimate and manage. We will walk you through exactly how the commission plan works during the interview process, to help you gain a deeper understanding.
• As your book of business grows, so does your pay. A proven estimator and project manager running a full book of business has a realistic path well above $100,000 in total compensation.
• Merit-based advancement. Show increased capability and consistent performance and you will be given greater responsibility and earning potential.

Benefits

• 2-3 Weeks Paid Time Off.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Monthly medical stipend available, if needed.
• Company-provided laptop, phone, and the tools you need.
• Mileage reimbursement for business travel.

Why join Thermal Shop?

Thermal Shop is a growing insulation contractor serving builders & homeowners throughout Eastern Iowa. Our revenue has nearly tripled since 2023 and we have more than 100 five-star Google reviews with a 5.0 average rating. We are currently building a new office & warehouse facility. Our reputation is built on fast responses, quality installations, & standing behind our work.

This position offers real responsibility, support from an experienced team, and a clear path for professional and financial advancement. We hold high standards for accuracy, communication, accountability, and customer service. We trust people to manage their responsibilities and we recognize performance.

How we hire
Our process is a short phone screen, an in-person interview, and a brief assessment. References and a shop or job-site visit may follow.

Ready to apply? Apply through this posting with your resume, or email admin@thermalshop.com with the subject line “Project Estimator / Project Manager - Your Name.” A cover letter is encouraged, but not required.