At Crain Construction, we believe that every person plays a vital role in the success of our commercial construction projects. From the skilled tradespeople on-site to the project managers overseeing the big picture, it’s a team effort. But when it comes to details, technical skills, collaboration, and problem-solving, few roles are more essential than the project engineer.
Our project engineers are the glue that holds each project together, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. At Crain, we’re fortunate to have a team of engineers who are incredibly skilled at working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. To give you an inside look at what it’s like to be a project engineer at Crain, we spoke with Lora Markem, an assistant project manager who started her journey with us as a project engineer.
Managing the Blueprint for Success: A Project Engineer’s Role
1. Setting the Stage for Success
One of the first responsibilities of a project engineer is to ensure that every project is set up for success. This involves making sure all necessary documentation—including product data, shop drawings, and samples—are gathered, go through formal coordination, and are approved. Before any construction can begin, these documents must be meticulously reviewed and approved to ensure compliance with permitting, building plans, and client specifications. Lora emphasizes the importance of timing in this process.
“A big part of the role is to assist the project manager in making sure this coordination happens promptly,” she explains. “It’s crucial that materials are secured on time so the project can move forward without delays.” This level of preparation is what allows Crain to deliver projects efficiently and effectively, meeting the high standards and values we have as a company.
2. Building Strong Relationships and Collaborating for Success
Daily communication and collaboration with key stakeholders are essential components of a project engineer’s role. Project engineers work closely with project managers, subcontractors, and other team members to keep everything on track. Contract document management, project communication, and general documentation are just a few of the areas where a project engineer’s input is invaluable.
Lora highlights the collaborative nature of the job: “Every day, the project engineer is in constant communication with different teams. Whether it’s coordinating with subcontractors or updating the project manager on progress, the role is all about ensuring everyone is on the same page.” This collaboration is what helps Crain maintain our reputation for building strong relationships with project owners.
3. Learning and Adapting on the Fly
No two days are the same for a project engineer, which makes adaptability a critical skill. Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and project engineers must be able to think on their feet to find solutions quickly. This role is about managing the current situation and pursuing continual learning and growth.
Lora advises aspiring project engineers to “be a sponge and soak in all the construction knowledge of those around you.” The role offers incredible learning opportunities because you’re working with everyone across the project.
At Crain, we’re proud to have a culture that invests in mentoring and helping our employees grow personally and professionally. Many of our team members have decades of experience in the construction industry, and they’re always willing to help one another and share their experiences.
A Day in the Life of a Project Engineer
A typical day for a project engineer can vary greatly, requiring flexibility and the ability to adapt to the needs of the project. You might start your day reviewing detailed shop drawings and end it in meetings with trade partners or the design team for coordination purposes. In between, you could be fielding calls or texts from site staff needing information on specific aspects of the project.
Lora recalls a recent experience while working on The Crestmoor in Green Hills, where several existing unit types on two floors were changed to penthouse units while the project was already under construction.
“Immediately, I produced a plan overlay of the original plan and the penthouse revision to start identifying areas where our project team needed to conduct further field investigations,” Lora explains.
She also documented the required concrete corings and proposed revisions to the design team’s original intent, submitting a Request for Information (RFI) to the architect.
This story highlights the adaptability and expertise required in the role. Project engineers at Crain are not just problem-solvers—they’re proactive, ensuring that any changes or challenges are addressed efficiently to keep the project on track.
Building a Rewarding Career at Crain Construction
If you’re looking to grow your career in commercial construction and want to be part of a team that values its people as much as the projects they build, Crain Construction might be the perfect fit for you. We offer a dynamic work environment where you can hone your skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and collaborate with a supportive and experienced team.
Visit our careers page to learn more about what it’s like to work at Crain and explore our current job openings. Join us and you’ll join a team that’s building a better Nashville—one project at a time.
