Project Engineer

JS3 is looking for a technically minded, customer-focused professional to join our team as a Mechanical Project Development & Project Manager.

This position is ideal for someone with a background in mechanical engineering, mechanical systems, HVAC, construction, or a related technical field who wants to develop their career in commercial mechanical systems and project management.

You do not need to be a fully experienced mechanical engineer or project manager to be successful in this role. We are looking for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to understand how mechanical systems work, excellent communication skills, and the desire to learn. The ideal candidate can communicate comfortably with a customer or business owner while also being able to sit down with a technician and understand the mechanical components required to complete the work.

This person will work closely with our customers, technicians, project managers, vendors, and leadership team to help identify opportunities, develop project solutions, build scopes and material lists, assist with estimating, and coordinate projects.

Customer & Project Development

• Develop professional relationships with facility managers, building owners, contractors, and other decision-makers.
• Translate customer needs into practical mechanical solutions.
• Help develop project scopes, budgets, proposals, and schedules.
• Follow up with customers and help move opportunities from initial discussion through approved project.

Mechanical & Technical Planning

• Develop an understanding of commercial HVAC and mechanical systems, including boilers, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, package units, split systems, VRF/VRV systems, VFDs, water systems, and associated controls.
• Review existing equipment and determine what components, materials, equipment, and labor may be required for a project.
• Assist in developing parts lists, equipment lists, material takeoffs, and project budgets.
• Assist with determining whether a project requires additional engineering, design, permitting, specialty contractors, or other resources.

Project Management

• Assist with projects from initial contact through completion.
• Help ensure equipment and materials are ordered correctly and available when needed.
• Communicate project changes and issues to the appropriate parties.
• Participate in project meetings, job walks, and customer meetings.
• Help document project information, photos, equipment information, and field conditions.
• Assist with change orders and additional work opportunities.
• Help ensure projects are completed according to the agreed scope, budget, schedule, and JS3 standards.
• Participate in project closeout, including documentation, warranties, and customer follow-up.

Requirements:

• Background in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, HVAC, construction, building systems, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to understand basic commercial mechanical concepts and how components work together as a system.
• Comfortable communicating with customers and building professional relationships.
• Ability to read and understand technical information, equipment documentation, site plans/ drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to learn quickly, ask good questions and multi task.

Bonus points for:

• Degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, construction management, or a related field.
• Previous commercial HVAC or mechanical experience.
• Experience with estimating, project coordination, construction, or facility operations.
• Experience reading mechanical drawings or equipment specifications.
• Experience working directly with commercial customers.
• Interest in pursuing a career as a mechanical engineer, project manager, estimator, or technical sales professional.

The Ideal Candidate

You might be a recent mechanical engineering graduate who wants more hands-on experience. You might be a mechanical engineering student or engineering technician looking for an opportunity to grow. You might have several years of HVAC or mechanical experience but want to move into estimating, engineering, sales, and project management.

You don't need to know everything on day one. We are looking for someone who can look at a mechanical system and say:

"I don't know exactly how to solve this yet, but I understand the system, I know what information I need, and I can figure it out."

You should be comfortable talking with a customer one minute, working through a parts list the next, and then walking a job with a technician to understand how the project needs to be executed.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the successful candidate will develop the ability to:

• Understand common commercial HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Conduct effective customer and site conversations.
• Identify project opportunities and customer needs.
• Develop accurate project scopes and material lists.
• Assist with estimating and proposal development.
• Communicate effectively with technicians and vendors.
• Coordinate projects from sale through completion.
• Identify potential problems before they become costly problems.
• Build trust with commercial customers.
• Take increasing ownership of projects and customer relationships.

The position will provide exposure to engineering, estimating, technical sales, customer relationships, commercial HVAC systems, construction, and project management, allowing the successful candidate to develop a broad understanding of the commercial mechanical industry.

Why JS3?

At JS3, we believe the best mechanical solutions come from combining technical knowledge, field experience, communication, and genuine care for the customer.

Our team works together rather than operating in silos. This position will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced technicians, leadership, vendors, and customers while taking on increasing responsibility.

We are looking for someone who wants to learn the business, understand the systems, solve problems, build relationships, and grow WITH the company.