gpac | The Recruitment Platform

Preconstruction Engineer in Lake St Louis

Date Posted: 21 July 2026

Job Snapshot

Job Description

A leading engineering and design firm is seeking a Preconstruction Engineer with 2–5+ years of HVAC design experience.

This position is ideal for a Mechanical Design Engineer who wants to expand beyond design responsibilities and become involved in project pursuits, conceptual design, budgeting, value engineering, project planning, and preconstruction strategy.

The Preconstruction Engineer will work closely with engineering, estimating, project management, and construction teams to develop mechanical solutions that support successful project outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with clients to develop conceptual mechanical designs for a variety of facilities.
  • Provide technical expertise related to HVAC, ductwork, piping, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
  • Prepare conceptual and detailed HVAC design documents.
  • Support project pursuit and preconstruction activities.
  • Review project plans, drawings, specifications, and scope requirements.
  • Assist with cost estimates, budgets, proposals, and mechanical system evaluations.
  • Partner with estimating teams to review bid packages and subcontractor or supplier pricing.
  • Conduct value engineering analyses to optimize project cost, quality, constructability, and performance.
  • Identify potential project risks, design conflicts, and constructability concerns.
  • Participate in client meetings, pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project planning discussions.
  • Prepare and deliver technical presentations to clients, architects, engineers, and project stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with project management and construction teams during project handoff.
  • Stay current on mechanical engineering trends, construction methods, building codes, and emerging technologies.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 2–5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, HVAC design, or MEP design.
  • Experience within an engineering consulting, mechanical contracting, construction, or design-build environment preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, ductwork, and mechanical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, project plans, and technical documents.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical information to clients and internal project teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Familiarity with construction processes, estimating, project planning, or preconstruction is preferred.
  • Knowledge of applicable building codes and mechanical system standards.
  • Professional Engineer license is a plus but not required.

Preferred Candidate Background

Candidates may currently hold titles such as:

  • Mechanical Design Engineer
  • HVAC Design Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • MEP Mechanical Engineer
  • Mechanical Project Engineer
  • Building Systems Engineer
  • Mechanical Systems Engineer
  • Mechanical Designer
  • Design Engineer – Mechanical
  • HVAC Engineer

Why Consider This Opportunity?

  • Join a well-established and growing engineering and design organization.
  • Work on a variety of commercial and industrial projects.
  • Gain exposure to preconstruction, estimating, budgeting, and project pursuit.
  • Collaborate with experienced engineering, estimating, and project management professionals.
  • Expand your technical and business capabilities.
  • Long-term advancement and professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborative and team-focused work environment.

Apply Today

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for immediate consideration.

All inquiries and applications will be handled confidentially.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

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