Project Engineer at Goodfellow Bros Inc – Portland, Oregon

Established in 1921, Goodfellow Bros. (GBI) is a large heavy-civil contractor with operations throughout the West Coast & Hawaii. Our company is a fourth-generation, family-owned business with over 100 years in the industry! We have earned a reputation for professionalism and integrity that reflects our longstanding commitment to the individuals, business and resources of the communities in which we live and work.

GBI has always maintained that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are now seeking to add to our team. We are looking for a Project Engineer to join our team in Portland, Oregon!

Job Summary

The Project Engineer (PE) reports to Regional Management or a designated Project Manager and is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of assigned civil construction projects. The PE collaborates closely with owners, subcontractors, vendors, utility companies, and local, state, and federal agencies to ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

This role also supports effective coordination between craft and salaried team members, fostering a collaborative and productive project environment. Depending on the project scope, the PE may also supervise other employees.

Essential Functions

Project Planning & Preconstruction

• Analyze site inspections, blueprints, specifications, proposals, and related documents.
• Understand basic surveying practices and equipment.
• Conduct and coordinate pre-construction surveys and meetings to assess potential risks and site conditions.
• Finalize and communicate shoring, framework, and traffic control designs.

Scheduling & Progress Oversight

• Develop and monitor project schedules and overall construction progress.
• Maintain and update CPM schedules, labor and material reports, and progress tracking documents.
• Identify materials needed, create daily production lists, and adjust delivery schedules based on jobsite needs.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Review subcontractor and vendor quotes with the estimator.
• Participate in subcontract negotiations and monitor pay estimates, submittals, and work quality.
• Order materials, track deliveries, verify invoices, and ensure compliance with specs and budget.
• Maintain regular subcontractor and vendor communications and meetings.

Documentation & Project Controls

• Prepare and manage RFIs, shop drawings, submittals, and change notifications.
• Maintain organized project files, including specs, plans, budgets, and correspondence.
• Supervise control data and ensure all submittals are reviewed, submitted, and approved.
• Process project closeout documents such as as-builts, O&M manuals, lien releases, final invoices, and Notices of Completion.

Change Management & Cost Tracking

• Prepare and negotiate change orders, including labor, equipment, material, subcontract, and overhead costs.
• Maintain and update Change Order Logs and follow through on owner approvals.
• Develop and submit job cost breakdowns, deviation summaries, production studies, and budget updates.

Compliance, Safety & Communication

• Ensure all activities comply with occupational safety regulations and union master agreements.
• Lead or participate in safety meetings and ensure implementation of method statements.
• Serve as a liaison—communicating clearly with owners, agencies, engineers, utilities, contractors, and internal teams.

Permitting & Quality Assurance

• Obtain utility clearances and required permits.
• Coordinate third-party or agency inspections and quality control testing.

Interpersonal Communication & Teamwork

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with customers, managers, crews, vendors, and public agencies.
• Understand and respond to signals and communication practices used on construction sites.

The Project Engineer is expected to demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Success in this role requires the ability to manage time effectively, adapt to changing situations, and optimize work processes for continuous improvement. Collaboration and communication are key, along with attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to plan, delegate, and align work with organizational goals.

Competitive Benefits & Total Rewards at Goodfellow Bros.

At Goodfellow Bros., employee well-being is a top priority. Our comprehensive total rewards package is designed to support your physical, mental, and financial health while offering the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of you and your family. Here’s what you can expect:

Additional Compensation

• • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a partially employee-owned company, GBI offers eligible employees the opportunity to build long-term wealth through shared ownership.
  • 401(k) + Profit Sharing: Immediate eligibility with generous annual employer contributions that go beyond traditional match programs.
  • Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $700 per year for participating in healthy lifestyle activities.
  • Employee Referral Bonuses: Help grow our team and receive bonuses for successful referrals.

Benefits

• • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Low-cost plan options, including Premera HSA (WA, OR, CA), Kaiser HMO (OR, CA, HI), and HMSA (HI). Preventive care is covered at 100%.
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 26 days of vacation, 9 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.
  • Parental & Family Leave: One paid bonding week, with additional unpaid leave available.
  • Disability & Life Insurance: Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, plus life insurance coverage up to 1.5x your annual salary.
  • Training & Career Growth: Access to leadership development programs, mentorship, and career advancement support.
  • Perks & Community Programs: Charitable contribution matching, paid volunteer time, and retail discounts.

Required Education, Experience, and Technical Knowledge

• Candidates must have the legal right to work in the US without employer sponsorship
• Bachelor's Degree (four-year or technical school) in Construction Management or Civil Engineering or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 1.5 years of experience in the heavy civil construction field preferred
• Must have computer experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project. Viewpoint Vista and HCSS Heavy Job software knowledge is a plus.
• Valid Driver's License with a clean driver's abstract
• Obtains and maintains CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, OSHA 30, and MUTCD Supervisor
• Must have excellent communication skills to work effectively with customers, management, vendors, utility companies, and local state and federal agencies