Project Engineer (Estimating / Project Management Support)

Positions Located In: Tucson, AZ & Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Full-Time

Travel: Regional travel required

About Us

Meridian is an industry-leading general contractor in civil construction, performing earthwork, flood control, structural concrete, road construction, dewatering, structural steel, mining maintenance, and other infrastructure that impact our communities. We are passionate about safety and doing things the right way, adding value to our customers and our community.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Project Engineer who will play a key role in both field operations and preconstruction estimating support. This position bridges the gap between estimating and field execution, ensuring accurate cost forecasting, constructability review, and seamless project startup.

The ideal candidate will support the estimating team during bidding and provide critical cost, quantity, and production insight from real-world field experience. Once projects are awarded, this role will assist with project coordination to ensure alignment between estimate assumptions and field performance.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction Support (Primary Emphasis)

• Assist estimating team with quantity takeoffs and cost analysis for heavy civil projects.
• Review plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports to identify scope risks and cost drivers.
• Support subcontractor and supplier outreach, bid comparisons, and scope leveling.
• Help develop production rates, equipment spreads, and labor projections based on field knowledge.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits to gather critical estimating data.
• Analyze historical cost data to improve estimate accuracy.
• Assist in developing bid packages and ensuring complete scope coverage.
• Provide constructability input to improve bid competitiveness and execution strategy.

Project Management/Engineering Support

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising on-site construction activities.
• Ensure project work aligns with the estimate, budget, schedule, and specifications.
• Support cost tracking and help identify variances between estimated and actual production.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including daily reports and progress updates.
• Monitor quality standards and conduct inspections as required.
• Support subcontractor coordination and performance monitoring.
• Provide technical support by reviewing and interpreting plans and specifications.

Qualifications

 Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Strong interest in building a career in heavy civil construction, estimating, and project management.
• Foundational understanding of construction principles through coursework, internships, co-ops, or hands-on experience.
• Eagerness to learn quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, production tracking, and construction software tools such as Procore, HCSS, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Project (training provided).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a willingness to develop cost awareness and estimating accuracy.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications, with mentorship and guidance from senior team members.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to safety and learning industry best practices in both field and office settings.
• Willingness to work in a combination of office (preconstruction/estimating) and field environments to gain well-rounded project experience.

What We Offer

 Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• 401(k) with matching.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance.
• Health savings account.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunities for career advancement in both operations and estimating.
• Involvement in impactful and high-profile heavy civil projects.