Preconstruction Engineer

Melink Solar is a leading commercial solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) company specializing in designing and building solar arrays. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Preconstruction Engineer to join our growing team. The Preconstruction Engineer is responsible for building and maintaining strong vendor and subcontractor relationships, driving accurate and timely estimates, and ensuring materials and services are sourced competitively and ethically, while meeting a high level of quality. This role combines strategic procurement with hands-on estimating enabling fast, accurate bids and budgets while supporting continuous improvement in cost, quality, and schedule outcomes. This position will report to the Director of Engineering and Quality.

Key Responsibilities

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Meet with existing vendors and own vendor relationships; proactively monitor and communicate upcoming price increases/decreases and market shifts.
• Assist the project management team in sourcing materials and vendors to meet project demand, cost, and quality requirements.
• Lead/assist and improve the prequalifying and re-qualifying process of vendors/subcontractors, including capability, safety, financials, quality history, and compliance.
• Maintain and improve a current, organized database of vendors and subcontractors, including contacts, capabilities, certifications, insurance, and performance scores.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key IPP customers to support growth initiatives and strengthen the company’s market position.
  
  

Pricing, Data & Estimating

• Improve and maintain a “live” pricing database of key material components commonly used, enabling quick and accurate quoting.
• Owns and maintains the bill of material (BOM) master data
• Review plans and create takeoffs for budgeting projects, leveraging CAD and Bluebeam tools for precise quantification.
• Create bid schedules and detailed scopes of work for subcontractors and vendors to bid against clear, consistent requirements.
• Review vendor/subcontractor bids for compliance, completeness, and accuracy versus plans/specs and scope.
• Compile comprehensive budgets based on material and subcontractor quotes, domestic content/FEOC/tariffs, plus experience-based allowances for items not shown on drawings.
• Complete Bid Sheets for formal bid responses and ensure alignment with internal standards.
• Prepare a list of clarifications and assumptions for inclusion with all bids to reduce ambiguity and risk.
  
  

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with the Project Executive team to perform budget reviews and establish a feedback loop (estimate vs. actuals) to improve future budget accuracy.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to balance cost, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Support risk assessments (supply, schedule, quality) and mitigation plans on critical projects.
• Champion ethical sourcing, safety, and quality standards in all procurement activities.
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective interaction with stakeholders.
• Self-starter with a high level of personal accountability
• Ability to develop and implement processes and standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or related software.
• Strong understanding of contracts, plans, specifications, and regulations.
• Ability to stay flexible and efficient in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to make quick decisions and solve problems while under pressure.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• In-depth understanding of engineering, architectural, and construction drawings.
• 5–8 years of experience in procurement, estimating, or a combined role in construction, industrial, manufacturing, or engineering environments.
• CAD proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD) for plan review and takeoffs.
• Bluebeam Revu experience (advanced markups, measurements, takeoff workflows).
• Strong knowledge of drawing/spec interpretation, quantities, scopes, and bid package development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendors/subcontractors, negotiate pricing/terms, and assess bid compliance.
• Advanced Excel skills (cost models, pivot tables) and familiarity with ERP/MRP tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Solar PV Industry experience is required.
• Ability to write clear reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Proficient in MS Project, Smartsheets, and ERP (Sage) systems.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to traverse and inspect job sites in various weather conditions, including walking, climbing, reaching, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to typical construction site hazards.
• In-Office, not remote.