Time Project Engineer Jobs in Santee, CA (NOW HIRING)

Step into a key role with a well-established commercial mechanical contractor in Southern California, delivering complex HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical piping projects across the region. As a Mechanical Project Engineer - HVAC & Plumbing Construction, you'll gain hands-on exposure to sophisticated commercial and industrial projects while working closely with experienced project managers and field teams. This is a strong platform for long-term growth into higher-level project management roles.

About the Role:

In this position, you will support the full lifecycle of mechanical construction projects, from preconstruction through close-out, with a focus on HVAC and plumbing systems. You will play a critical role in coordinating design, cost, schedule, and documentation to keep projects organized, compliant, and on track. Your work will directly impact project efficiency, cost control, and the overall quality of delivered mechanical systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Project Managers with day-to-day coordination of mechanical construction projects, including HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical piping scopes.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, cost estimation, and budgeting for mechanical systems during preconstruction and throughout project execution.
• Help develop, update, and monitor construction schedules and manpower plans to support on-time project delivery.
• Prepare, issue, and track Requests for Information (RFIs) and ensure timely responses are incorporated into construction documents.
• Prepare, review, and manage equipment, material, and technical submittals for HVAC and plumbing systems, coordinating approvals with engineers and clients.
• Coordinate construction documents and design updates between field teams, vendors, engineers, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Support procurement of mechanical equipment and materials, including issuing purchase orders and tracking deliveries to the jobsite.
• Assist with project cost tracking, forecasting, and budget management, including preparation of progress billings and project financial documentation.
• Review mechanical plans, specifications, and shop drawings to identify constructability issues and support resolution of technical problems in the field.
• Maintain accurate, organized project records and logs throughout the construction process, including RFIs, submittals, change documentation, and meeting minutes.

Key Requirements:

• Experience in commercial or industrial mechanical construction, with exposure to HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Hands-on involvement in construction project engineering, project coordination, or similar project support role.
• Proficiency in mechanical quantity takeoffs, basic cost estimation, and budget tracking for construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical plans, specifications, and construction documents.
• Familiarity with construction scheduling practices and manpower planning.
• Experience preparing and managing RFIs, submittals, and project documentation.
• Competence with equipment and material procurement processes in a construction environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving project issues.
• Comfortable working on-site and collaborating with field personnel, subcontractors, and vendors.

Desirable Skills:

• Background in MEP construction, design-build projects, or mechanical systems design.
• Knowledge of HVAC system operation, testing, and balancing concepts.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE standards and current mechanical industry practices.
• Exposure to BIM/VDC workflows and coordination for mechanical systems.
• Experience with construction productivity analysis and performance tracking.
• Prior involvement in commercial construction sequencing and phasing.
• Working knowledge of additional construction management software platforms beyond core tools.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Candidates with substantial mechanical construction experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• Previous experience as a Mechanical Project Engineer, HVAC Project Engineer, MEP Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, Project Coordinator, or similar mec