Operations Graduate Assistant Jobs in Abilene, TX

The Mechanical Assistant Project Manager plays a key supporting role in the successful execution of complex mechanical construction projects. From coordinating submittals and managing procurement to tracking schedules, budgets, and change orders, this role is critical in keeping projects organized, efficient, and on track.

Working alongside experienced Project Managers and field leaders, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to the full project lifecycle while sharpening your skills in communication, problem-solving, and technical coordination. This position is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to grow into a leadership role within the mechanical construction industry.

Assistant Project Managers are valued for their attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to keep multiple priorities moving forward. Their work helps bridge the gap between office and field, supporting seamless delivery from kickoff to closeout.

RK Overview

Position Summary

Plan, direct and coordinate activities of designated mechanical, miscellaneous metals, or structural steel construction projects. Make sure goals are achieved in a timely manner and within budget by performing duties personally or through subordinate supervisors. Manage budgeting and scheduling. Administer contracts, buyout, documentation, meetings, billings, change conditions, labor productivity, cost control and project closeout. 

Role Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise day-to-day operations of staff teams on assigned projects.  

• Initiate, review and oversee required project administration and documentation to avoid claims and protect the best interest of RK Mechanical, Inc. and our client. 

• Ensure contract agreements are expeditiously secured, reviewed, processed and executed. 

• Review, edit, finalize and distribute project budget.  

• Conduct pre-construction turnover meetings for all assigned projects. 

• Ensure required permits and/or licenses are obtained and posted. 

• Initiate setup, monitoring and updating of project scheduling. 

• Coordinate required procurement of materials and equipment with purchasing agent, with emphasis on buyout plan to meet, or improve on, established schedule dates and budget cost. 

• Subcontract agreement negotiation, preparation, processing and execution. 

• Ensure required submittal review, processing and approvals, and submittal logs are set-up and maintained. 

• Develop, submit and obtain approval of billing schedule of values.   

• Maintain an over billed cash position, and request retention release bill-down/payments.        

• Collect payments, progress billing and retention receivables, on or before due dates. 

• Price, negotiate and process change condition and change order work.   

• Ensure assigned projects are properly staffed with appropriate field forces.  This includes: 1) review, updating and approval of labor resource loading; and, 2) labor productivity. 

• Oversee tools and rental equipment use on all assigned projects.  Ensure that any tools and rental equipment not required, or not being utilized, are returned immediately. 

• Responsible for overall financial performance of all assigned projects, including continual cost control, management and forecasting.   

• Prepare accurately, and submit on time, all required project monthly contract valuations. 

• Review, approve and process all subcontractor and supplier invoices. 

Qualifications

• Indirect supervision.   

• Requires the use of advanced techniques and knowledge within his/her function.    

• Applies diversified knowledge of applicable principles and practices to a broad variety of assignments.   

• Makes decisions independently regarding complexities and methods. 

• Supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters.    

• Liaison to groups within and outside of his/her organization with responsibility to act independently regarding matters pertaining to his/her function. 

• College/University graduate with 7 years relevant experience 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.