Project Engineer - Commercial Plumbing

About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com

A self-starter who likes getting their hands dirty (even in digital tools), and you know how to build trust with foremen and PMs alike, this is the right seat.

We’re seeking a driven, detail-oriented Project Engineer who enjoys owning plumbing coordination down to the last coupling. Comfortable reading plumbing drawings, specs, isometrics, and fixture schedules — and confident spotting conflicts and gaps. Proficient in Idaho plumbing code and able to identify noncompliant or missing requirements during layout planning and RFIs. Trusted by field leaders for your clarity, responsiveness, and ability to “speak the same language.”

You’ll be responsible for identifying and resolving issues across drawings, models, specs, and submittals—particularly where layout, code compliance, or fabrication logistics come into play. A deep understanding of commercial plumbing systems is essential, and proficiency with Idaho plumbing code is non-negotiable. Experience with orbitally butt-welded systems and an understanding of their planning, components, and QA requirements will set you apart.

As our Project Engineer, you’ll be the technical backbone of our plumbing projects, ensuring constructability, code compliance, and seamless execution. You’ll collaborate with field supervisors, foremen, and project managers to deliver clear work packages and resolve issues on high-stakes projects.

Pay Range: $43 - $57 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (OT eligible).

Here’s a deeper dive into your responsibilities:

• Design Interpretation & RFI Management
  • Review models, specs, Idaho plumbing code, and contract drawings to spot conflicts or missing details.
  • Draft precise, solution-focused RFIs for issues like routing constraints, cleanout access, or fixture discrepancies.
  • Coordinate with BIM and Engineer of Record (EOR) teams to ensure plumbing documentation is accurate and field-ready.

• Work Package Development
  • Strategize with Craft Supervision to maximize off-site prefabrication, accelerating project schedules.
  • Develop phased plumbing work packages for sleeves/penetrations, in-wall rough-in, risers, and final fixture sets.
  • Use tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revizto, Stratus, and Bluebeam to organize and communicate the scope clearly.
  • Sequence packages based on pull plan milestones and align resources with project schedules.

• Field Engineering Support
  • Act as the primary technical liaison for plumbing field supervisors and foremen.
  • Support layout and pre-assembly efforts, translating designs into actionable installation steps.
  • Provide hands-on support for construction convenience items, access resolutions, and clash avoidance.

• Quality Assurance & Turnover
  • Verify installed work meets specifications and design through field inspections.
  • Track punch lists and corrective actions to ensure timely completion.
  • Ensure systems are turned over clean, compliant, and fully documented.

• Team Collaboration & Culture
  • Build strong relationships with foremen, field leadership, project engineers, and PMs.
  • Mentor interns or junior engineers and foster a positive, high-trust project culture.
  • Show up as a calm, consistent, and capable technical partner on-site.

What You Bring

• Experience: 5+ years in mechanical construction, with direct support of plumbing scopes on commercial or semiconductor projects.
• Skills:
  • Deep knowledge of Idaho plumbing code and experience enforcing it in design and layout planning.
  • Functional understanding of orbitally butt-welded systems, including components and QA requirements.
  • Proficiency (or rapid learnability) with Bluebeam, Revizto, and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
  • Strong ability to read plumbing drawings, specs, isometrics, and fixture schedules, spotting conflicts and gaps.
  • Clear, respectful communication with field teams and a knack for problem-solving.
• Mindset: Detail-driven, field-first, with a passion for quality and independent problem-solving.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, construction management, or equivalent hands-on experience in plumbing installation or field engineering.
• Preferred Qualities:
  • Experience in high-tech or semiconductor construction.
  • Background with union craft is a plus, but not required.

Physical Requirements
This role requires transitioning between office and construction field settings. In the office, you’ll sit for extended periods, working at a computer and communicating by phone. In the field, you’ll stand and walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans and on-site communication. You’ll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel between job sites and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Pay Range: $38 – $57 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible).

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation for the past 10 years.

Why JH Kelly?
At JH Kelly, you’ll join a family-oriented team with a legacy of excellence and a passion for innovation. Based in Boise, you’ll support cutting-edge projects in a dynamic, award-winning environment. This role offers room to grow, collaborate with top talent, and become a key player in our mechanical construction success.

How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how you’ve tackled technical challenges, supported field teams, and driven quality in past projects. Apply today to join a team that’s building the future, one pipe at a time.