1

Preconstruction Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Preconstruction

Sterling, VA · On-site

$128K - $146K/yr

The Preconstruction Manager will be responsible for project budget and schedule development and management, coordination with internal and external project stakeholders, design management and support ...

Showing results 21-40

Preconstruction information

See Washington, DC salary details

$67.4K

$139.4K

$199.3K

How much do preconstruction jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for preconstruction in Washington, DC is $139,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,800.00 and $163,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a preconstruction professional do?

A Preconstruction job focuses on the planning and preparation phase of a construction project before physical work begins. Responsibilities typically include budgeting, scheduling, feasibility analysis, value engineering, and coordinating with clients, architects, and contractors. The goal is to ensure the project is financially viable, well-planned, and aligns with client expectations. Effective preconstruction helps minimize risks, reduce costs, and streamline project execution.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in preconstruction?

Professionals in Preconstruction are often responsible for reviewing project plans, preparing detailed cost estimates, coordinating with architects, engineers, and subcontractors, and identifying potential construction challenges early in the process. Their daily tasks frequently involve reviewing bid documents, creating schedules, analyzing alternatives, and presenting findings to both internal teams and clients. Collaboration is central, as they work closely with project managers, designers, and clients to ensure that all pre-project planning aligns with budget and schedule goals. This stage sets the foundation for the entire construction process, making attention to detail and proactive problem-solving essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the preconstruction position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Preconstruction, you need strong analytical skills, construction knowledge, and expertise in cost estimating, often supported by a degree in construction management or a related field. Proficiency with estimating software (like Bluebeam or ProEst), project management tools, and understanding of plans and specifications is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and negotiation skills set standout candidates apart in this highly collaborative phase of construction. These abilities are vital to accurately scope projects, control costs, and ensure efficient planning for successful project delivery.

Is preconstruction a good career?

Preconstruction is a valuable career in the construction industry, involving planning, budgeting, and project coordination before construction begins. It requires skills in project management, estimating, and communication, and often offers opportunities for advancement and stability. Success in this field depends on experience, certifications, and the ability to work collaboratively with clients and contractors.

What are preconstruction jobs?

Preconstruction jobs involve planning and preparing for a construction project before actual building begins. Roles include estimating costs, developing project schedules, reviewing designs, and coordinating with clients and contractors to ensure project feasibility and readiness. These positions often require knowledge of construction processes, project management skills, and familiarity with industry tools like CAD software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Preconstruction jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Preconstruction jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Preconstruction job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,436 per year, or $67 per hour.

Enterprise Preconstruction Leader

EMCOR Construction Services, Inc.

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


EMCOR rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 80 rated construction


Job description

About Us
EMCOR Construction Services (ECS) is part of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME), a Fortune 500® leader in mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building services for a diverse range of businesses. ECS is a nationwide group of 50+ operating companies with over 30,000 employees and annual revenues of $10.7 billion. Our operating companies are mechanical and commercial electrical contractors with expertise that includes virtually all U.S. commercial, healthcare, institutional, education, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and water and wastewater markets. We also have several operating companies that focus on commercial fire protection. They provide integrated life safety solutions, including fire detection and suppression systems, and the most advanced security technology available today. The ECS headquarters team provides key support for its electrical and mechanical companies, including finance and accounting, human resources, legal, national purchasing and information technology.
Job Summary
EMCOR Construction Services, Inc. (ECS) seeks Enterprise Preconstruction Leader. The Enterprise Preconstruction Leader will support and elevate preconstruction performance across a portfolio of independent mechanical operating companies serving mission-critical, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and large commercial markets nationwide.
This position is a performance multiplier - designed to enhance estimating rigor, strengthen margin discipline, transfer best practices across operating companies, and support acquisition integration and leadership transitions - while fully preserving operating company autonomy.
The ideal candidate will be a highly respected technical leader who can influence without authority and elevate teams without centralizing control.
ECS HQ is based out of McLean, Virginia. However, candidates in other locations and meeting the requirements below may be considered.
Compensation Range: $175,000 - $225,000
This position is bonus eligible.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • The Enterprise Preconstruction Leader will visit Operating Companies provides guidance and support to operating company preconstruction teams (up to 40-60% travel).
  • Assess preconstruction maturity across operating companies.
  • Improve margin discipline and reduce WIP fade.
  • Strengthen bid/no-bid decision frameworks.
  • Support newly acquired businesses and leadership transitions.
  • Assist in turnaround situations.
  • Transfer best practices across companies.
  • Enhance positioning in data center and mission-critical markets.
  • Evaluate Operating Company estimating rigor, productivity assumptions, contingency logic, and risk registers.
  • Assess Company performance by diagnosing root causes of margin erosion.
  • Support company with identifying gaps in systems, process, or talent.
  • Assess Margin & Risk discipline and help with strengthening labor productivity methodology.
  • Support Operating Company to improve contingency structuring on large, complex projects.
  • Help Company enhance procurement alignment within preconstruction.
  • Support growth in data centers and advanced manufacturing.
  • Elevate negotiated and design-build backlog quality.
  • Support acquisition activities and with turnaround support, evaluate backlog quality within 6 months of acquisition and support underperforming preconstruction teams in a constructive, trusted manner
  • Document and share high-performing estimating best practices and approaches across operating companies.
  • Facilitate cross-company collaboration without forced standardization.
  • Develop and implement enterprise metrics.
  • Develop and implement Preconstruction playbook.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Requirements/Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction or related areas of study or field experience; and minimum of 10-15 years Preconstruction or Estimating experience in Mechanical Piping, Plumbing, Sheet Metal/HVAC. Prior experience as a Chief Estimator, Preconstruction Manager, Regional Preconstruction Director, or Senior Estimator working for a $100 million+ contractor. Experience must include:
  • Preconstruction or Estimating Market/Sector experience in Hyperscale Data Centers, Semiconductor/Advanced Manufacturing, Large Healthcare Systems, Mission-Critical projects, Negotiated and GMP environments strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Preconstruction playbook development.
  • Proven track record of leading projects while maintaining a commitment to Ethics and Safety.

Technical Competency
  • Estimating platforms (e.g., QuoteSoft, FastPIPE, Autobid, etc.)
  • Labor productivity and material databases
  • Historical cost systems
  • BIM-driven quantification processes
  • Fabrication estimating integration
  • Bid recap structure and margin layering
  • Risk register development
  • Procurement alignment strategies

Language Skills
Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customers, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.
#LI-CS1
#ecs
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee must have the ability to travel by plane and/or car 40-60% of the time.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee may expect to work in typical office environment conditions except when visiting field locations. Field environments may vary based on project, manufacturing, or weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Benefits
As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Notice to Prospective Employees
Notice to prospective employees: There have been fraudulent postings and emails regarding job openings. EMCOR Group and its companies list open positions here. Please check our available positions to confirm that a post or email is genuine.
EMCOR Group and its companies do not reach out to individuals to help with marketing or other similar services. If an individual is contacted for services outside of EMCOR's normal application process - it is probably fraudulent.
Equal Opportunity Employer
As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Affirmative Action Policy
Please review our Affirmative Action Policy.
Notice to Prospective Employees
Notice to prospective employees: There have been fraudulent postings and emails regarding job openings. EMCOR Group and its companies list open positions here. Please check our available positions to confirm that a post or email is genuine.
EMCOR Group and its companies do not reach out to individuals to help with marketing or other similar services. If an individual is contacted for services outside of EMCOR's normal application process - it is probably fraudulent.
Geographic Disclosure
As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

What EMCOR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom