At JH Kelly, we’re seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and eager-to-learn Project Engineer to support our Commercial Mechanical operations and grow into a future leader on complex construction projects. If you’re ready to dive into the full project lifecycle, assist with estimating, scheduling, RFIs, submittals, cost control, and field coordination while building strong technical and relational skills in a team environment, this is your opportunity to launch or advance your career with a century-old industry leader.
About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com
Who We’re Looking For
We’re searching for a capable professional with experience in field engineering, construction management, or related roles who can support project managers on commercial mechanical projects, handle technical tasks with precision, maintain accurate documentation, and contribute to successful project delivery. You’re analytical, communicative, proactive, safety-conscious, and thrive in a fast-paced setting with multiple responsibilities.
What You’ll Do
As a Project Engineer, you will support commercial mechanical projects by learning and contributing to all phases from preconstruction through design, virtual construction, fabrication, field installation, startup, and turnover. You will assist project managers with coordination, documentation, cost and schedule tracking, technical reviews, and field support to ensure projects stay on track, compliant, and high-quality.
Salary Range: $46-$58 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (OT eligible)
Here’s a deeper dive into your responsibilities:
Project Support & Execution
- Learn, follow, and promote company safety and quality protocols.
- Write and manage RFI’s and change orders.
- Prepare submittals and maintain submittal log.
- Assist in the preparation of project schedules.
- Assist with estimating takeoffs and with the purchase of materials and equipment.
- Maintain as-built documents.
- Budget set-up.
- Interface and coordinate with designers and provide constructability advice regarding design.
- Work with construction and design professionals in the main office and on the job site.
- Assist project managers with the coordination, review, and approval of project shop drawings and submittals in conjunction with project specifications.
- Maintain current and accurate quantity tracking data.
- Cost Control reporting and forecasting.
- Take off quantities and prepare pricing for changes when so directed.
- Thoroughly review all drawings, submittals, samples, and shop drawings to ensure the end product will be in accordance with the contract.
- Plan and coordinate work appropriately to facilitate the work permit process.
- Review construction procedures and provide technical support for work.
- Ensure that construction work completed in-house and by subcontractors complies with the contract.
- Be directly involved with construction procedures and represent JH Kelly at various meetings.
- Perform field engineering for construction convenience items, including calculation and design drafting when required.
- Keep management informed of project status and scheduling.
Relationship & Business Development
- Maintain proactive and positive relationships within the crafts, including shop and field craft personnel.
- Maintain proactive and positive relationships with customer representatives, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT, and all project teams.
Safety & Quality Leadership
- Champion and promote JH Kelly’s safety and quality protocols across all projects and teams.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform additional tasks as assigned to support department and company success.
What You Bring
- Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Field Engineering, Field Construction Management, or related field. Preferred: Piping and Mechanical estimating experience. Project Engineering experience in Commercial Construction. Familiarity with Mechanical operations and or other applicable mechanical construction experience. Understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles. Proficient in reading P&IDs and Piping Isometrics. Scheduling experience and/or education. Familiarity with Critical Path Method (CPM) Scheduling, using MS Project or comparable applications. A solid working knowledge of Project Management, Construction Management, Construction Contracts, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and Safety. Job turnover experience.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related construction industry field (or equivalent experience).
- Skills:
- Fully proficient in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam, with intermediate skills in Excel
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Self-starter, motivated, and takes initiative.
- Organized and productive.
- Ability to proactively build and cultivate relationships.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and projects at hand.
- Energetic and eager to prioritize workload and tackle new projects and ideas.
- Mindset: Proactive, detail-oriented problem-solver committed to safety, quality, and continuous learning.
- Requirements: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various construction sites as needed.
Physical Requirements
This role requires transitioning frequently between office and construction field settings. In the office, you’ll sit for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks like typing and communicating by phone. In the field, you’ll stand and walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans and on-site communication. You’ll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
Salary Range: $46-$58 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (OT eligible)
Benefits Package
- Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
- Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
- 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
- Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
- Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
- Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation over the past 10 years.
Why JH Kelly?
Join a family-oriented team with a legacy of excellence and a passion for innovation. You’ll work on high-impact projects across our regions, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver exceptional results. This role offers significant growth potential, empowering you to become a key leader in our award-winning environment.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us about your experience in field engineering or construction support roles, how you’ve contributed to project documentation, cost tracking, or technical coordination, and why you’re excited to grow with JH Kelly in commercial mechanical construction.
