Project Engineer - Crystal Lake, IL
Curran Contracting
Project Engineer
Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000 annually (based on experience)
Bonus Eligible: This position is eligible for Curran Contracting's incentive bonus
program.
About Curran Contracting
Established in 1936, Curran Contracting has grown into one of the region's premier
heavy civil contractors, specializing in site development, excavation, mass grading,
paving, and asphalt production. Serving commercial, industrial, and government clients,
Curran operates from six strategic locations throughout Illinois and Indiana, including
Crystal Lake, DeKalb, Island Lake, Sycamore, Oswego, and Merrillville.
For nearly 90 years, Curran has built a reputation for excellence through a commitment
to delivering high-quality work, fostering strong partnerships, and investing in its people.
Our success is rooted in five core values—Family, Improvement, Integrity, Partnership,
and Respect—which guide every decision we make and every relationship we build.
Position Summary
The Project Engineer plays a vital role in the successful delivery of heavy highway and
site development projects by supporting project planning, coordination, documentation,
and field operations. This position serves as a foundational step within Curran's Project
Management career path, providing hands-on experience and professional
development opportunities while contributing to the successful execution of complex
construction projects.
Working closely with Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, field leadership,
subcontractors, and clients, the Project Engineer gains exposure to the full project
lifecycle while developing the technical, financial, operational, and leadership skills
necessary for long-term career growth within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Project Coordination & Execution
• Support project startup activities, including project setup, documentation
management, and tracking systems.
• Assist with the preparation, distribution, and tracking of Requests for Information
(RFIs), submittals, project correspondence, and other project documentation.
• Support Project Managers in the development and maintenance of project
schedules.
• Monitor and update weekly site schedules as directed by project leadership.• Assist with project communications between field teams, subcontractors,
suppliers, and management.
• Participate in weekly project meetings and contribute to coordination efforts that
support project success.
Field Support & Site Operations
• Conduct regular jobsite visits to observe project progress, verify compliance, and
gain practical construction experience.
• Support field personnel by facilitating communication, documentation, and issue
resolution.
• Develop an understanding of construction means and methods, project
sequencing, and operational planning.
• Ensure project records and documentation are maintained accurately and
consistently.
Financial & Contract Administration
• Assist with cost code tracking, labor reporting, and project-related data entry.
• Learn the fundamentals of project budgeting, cost forecasting, and financial
reporting.
• Support subcontractor onboarding, documentation collection, and purchase order
processing.
• Assist project teams in tracking subcontractor compliance and contract
requirements.
• Gain exposure to project financial management practices and reporting
processes.
Change Management & Client Support
• Learn to identify potential changes in project scope and contract requirements.
• Assist in the preparation and documentation of change requests and supporting
materials.
• Support project correspondence and client communications under the guidance
of Project Managers.
• Gain experience with project contracts, specifications, and owner requirements.
Professional Development
• Actively participate in mentorship, coaching, and development opportunities
provided by Project Managers and Senior Project Managers.
• Develop an understanding of project management principles, leadership
expectations, and construction industry best practices.
• Continuously expand technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and
leadership capabilities.• Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, continuous improvement, and
Curran's core values.
Qualifications
Required Skills & Abilities
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to
manage multiple priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project teams, subcontractors, vendors, and
clients.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast-paced construction
environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing project demands and work effectively in both office
and field settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related
field preferred.
• Internship, co-op, or prior construction experience preferred.
• Familiarity with construction processes, project documentation, and scheduling
concepts is beneficial.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between project sites and office
locations.
• Demonstrated desire to build a long-term career in construction project
management.
Working Conditions
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods both at a desk and while driving or
riding in a vehicle.
• Regularly required to tour active construction sites and must comply with
Curran's safety policies, including wearing and maintaining required PPE (e.g.,
hard hat, safety vest, eye protection, hearing protection, safety-toe footwear).
• Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust) is
common.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of materials, equipment, or project-
related items.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a personal or
company vehicle to and from job sites, meetings, and other business-related
activities.• Employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold
Curran's core values at all internal and external work-related events, as well as
during daily interactions and operations.
Benefits & Additional Compensation
• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Profit Sharing
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% Employer Match
• Leadership Development Coaching
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development
• Company Events & Team Engagement Opportunities
• 13+ Days PTO
• 10 Paid Holidays
Guided by our values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Improvement, this
job description provides a general overview of responsibilities. It is not intended to be an
exhaustive list. Curran Contracting reserves the right to adjust duties, titles, and roles as
necessary to support business needs.
Curran Contracting Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all
employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizen status,
religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, martial status, pregnancy, sexual
orientation, or any other basis prohibited be applicable federal, state, or local employment
laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.