Project Engineer in Syracuse, New York at Smith Group Americas

The Project Engineer – Rotational Program is an entry‑level position designed to build a deep, well‑rounded understanding of the construction business. This role rotates through Revenue, Finance, and Operations, providing hands‑on exposure to how projects are estimated, executed, tracked, and financially managed. The Project Engineer supports project teams with RFIs, change orders, cost tracking, and coordination while learning all areas of the company and preparing for future growth into estimating, project management, superintendent, or finance roles.

Program Overview
The rotational program offers structured assignments across three key departments:

Operations – Field and project execution support
Revenue / Estimating – Preconstruction and change management
Finance – Cost controls, billing, and project financial performance

Through these rotations, the Project Engineer develops both technical and business acumen while contributing meaningfully to live projects.
Key Responsibilities
Operations

Assist Project Managers and Superintendents with daily project execution
Prepare, track, and manage Requests for Information (RFIs) and submittals
Support change order documentation, scope reviews, and cost impacts
Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams
Maintain project documentation, logs, and schedules
Participate in jobsite meetings, site visits, and progress reporting

Revenue / Estimating

Work with the estimating team on budgets, takeoffs, and scopes of work
Assist with pricing and review of change orders and revisions
Track revenue impacts related to project changes
Learn preconstruction processes, bid reviews, and handoff procedures
Support proposal preparation and historical cost analysis

Finance

Assist with project cost tracking, forecasting, and job cost reporting
Support billing, pay applications, and revenue recognition processes
Learn how financial performance is measured and reported at the project level
Partner with operations and revenue teams to reconcile project budgets

Learning & Development

Gain exposure to all phases of the project lifecycle: preconstruction, execution, and closeout
Develop a strong understanding of how financial, operational, and revenue decisions impact projects
Receive mentorship from leaders across multiple departments
Build a foundation for long‑term career growth within the organization

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field (or graduating soon)
Strong desire to learn all aspects of the construction business
Basic understanding of construction documents and terminology (preferred, not required)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to communicate effectively with field, office, and leadership teams
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; exposure to project management software is a plus

Preferred Traits

Curious and proactive learner
Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to adapt across departments
Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
Willingness to spend time both in the office and on job sites