Preconstruction Engineer

Job Details: Job Location: Legal Address - Atlanta, GA, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, About the roleLeapley Construction is hiring a Preconstruction Engineer to help build budgets, estimates and bid packages from early design through bid. Our work spans corporate interiors, exterior renovations, adaptive reuse, ground-up construction, higher education and healthcare.On some projects you will support a Preconstruction Manager; on others you will run smaller estimates and bids on your own with manager or director oversight. It is a hands-on role that gives you room to learn and grow your estimating, bidding and client-facing skills.We're looking for someone who is self-motivated, works hard and is naturally curious. This position requires digging into the details, asking why, and understanding how a project goes together and what drives its cost.Key responsibilitiesBudgeting and estimating• Do quantity takeoffs and help build conceptual, schematic and detailed estimates, including ROMs and test-fit budgets• Dig into sub pricing, question what looks off, and check it against historical cost data and current market pricing• Track scope and budget changes between estimate roundsBidding and procurement• Help write scopes of work, put together bid packages and build bidder lists• Send bid invitations, issue addenda, answer subcontractor questions and follow up for coverage• Level sub bids for scope completeness and flag gaps, exclusions and qualificationsProject support• Review drawings and specs for missing scope and coordination issues• Research value engineering options and alternate products, with cost impacts• Help prepare proposals, interview materials and the package handed to the project team• Keep the historical cost database and estimate files up to dateQualifications: Required• 1–3 years of estimating, preconstruction or project engineering experience with a commercial general contractor, construction manager or other construction-related business• Working knowledge of construction means and methods and how building systems go together• Able to work under a Preconstruction Manager on some projects and independently on others• Self-motivated, hardworking and organized; able to handle several bid deadlines at once without needing to be pushed• Naturally curious: asks why, and digs into drawings, specs and sub pricing until the scope and the numbers make sense• Clear written and verbal communication with subcontractors and internal teamsPreferred• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Engineering, Architecture or a related field• Experience with ground-up construction, exterior renovations, and occupied-building renovations in corporate, higher-education or healthcare settings• Exposure to MEP systems and how they drive cost• Internship or field experience with a general contractorSkills and software• Strong Excel skills: estimate templates, bid leveling sheets and cost data• Takeoff software such as Bluebeam and On-Screen Takeoff• Project and bid management platforms such as Procore• Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)• Eager to learn, ask questions and take on more responsibility over time