Job Description
Job Summary:
As a lead Project Engineer, you will play a central role in delivering some of the nation's most challenging marine and heavy civil construction projects. This role serves as the operational bridge between the office and the field, where you will help drive every phase of project execution from preconstruction and procurement through construction, closeout, and client turnover. Here, you'll gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of challenging work, take on greater ownership, and work directly with the leaders responsible for delivering our projects. Our people want to work on hard problems, have real responsibility, and the opportunity to build something that lasts.
Project Engineers are expected to be engaged in every aspect of the project not just engineering. This role provides direct involvement in planning, field operations, procurement, scheduling, cost management, client coordination, and problem solving, offering a level of responsibility and project exposure that is uncommon in larger organizations. This position is ideal for an experienced construction professional who is ready to expand their responsibilities, influence project outcomes, and continue building a career defined by technical excellence, leadership, and ownership.
Ideal Candidate:
Core Attributes:
• Grit and Resiliency - We dig deep to figure out how to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems. We never give up. We take on challenges that nobody else can; or will.
• Comradery and Inspirational - We are a hard-working team of like-minded individuals working toward a common goal. We regularly celebrate wins and like to have fun whether at work or at play. We come together each day looking for ways to instill life and energy into the world around us.
• Driven and Competitive - We love competition. We love to win and love to learn when we lose. Not getting the job done is not an option. We are obsessed to do our best and we do what it takes to win.
• Trustworthy and Respectful - We are passionate about honesty, authenticity, and transparency. No lies. No drama. No politics. We value constructive conflict and ensure that even in conflict we treat others with respect.
• Ownership and Accountability - When something goes wrong, we first "look in the mirror" before we "look out the window." We ask, "what could I have done differently?" and then we share lessons learned. Regularly challenging ourselves and those around us to be better is a way of life. "Me first" belongs here.
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Construction Engineering Management, Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Experience:
• 7-10 years of progressive project engineering experience in heavy civil, marine, structural, industrial, or transportation construction
• Strong project controls experience, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement, subcontractor coordination, and change management
• Experience supporting self-performing operations and partnering with field leadership to drive safe, efficient execution
• Experience working with owners, consultants, municipalities, DOTs, USACE, ports, utilities, or industrial clients preferred
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, solve complex problems, and take ownership in a fast-paced environment
Skills:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, Sketchup, AutoCAD, HeavyBid, HeavyJob, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar construction software
• Strong understanding of project controls, including scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, procurement, contract administration, and change management
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documents
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced project environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across project teams, field personnel, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and engineering partners
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, independence, and collaboration
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
Physical Demands / Working Environment:
• Work is performed in both office and field environments, including active construction sites and outdoor settings in varying weather conditions.
• Travel to project sites, meetings, training events, and company locations is required and may include travel by land, water, or air.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, and fall protection equipment, as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, squat, and navigate uneven terrain for extended periods, including barges, piers, vessels, and other marine construction environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to remain stationary and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to relocate as required to support project and business needs.
Benefits:
Ballard offers a comprehensive benefits package and provides a culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, STD, PTO, 401K Plan with employer match, paid holidays, and so much more!!
Salary Range:
• $90k-$150k
• Pay is commensurate with experience and qualifications
