Project Engineer | KYA Services

Location: Bakersfield

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Operations Manager / Project Manager

About the Role

KYA Services is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Project Engineer to join our Operations team. In this role, you will be the backbone of our project management lifecycle—supporting everything from high-stakes preconstruction and bidding to on-site execution and final close-out.

You will work closely with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure that our projects—ranging from large-scale complex developments to public works and educational facilities—are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Project Lifecycle Support: Manage all aspects of project administration, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, procurement, and financial reporting.

  • Estimating & Budgeting: Develop conceptual and detailed estimates (GMP) and internal budgets. Demonstrate a strong grasp of unit costs and conceptual estimation.

  • Schedule & Coordination: Monitor job progress, update schedules, and coordinate activities with subcontractors to prevent delays.

  • Subcontractor Management: Assist in the buyout process, execute subcontract agreements, and resolve contractual issues with minimal oversight.

  • Field Collaboration: Partner with Superintendents to direct site activities, resolve field challenges, and ensure all permits and inspections are secured.

  • Relationship Management: Act as a key point of contact for Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, fostering long-term professional relationships.

  • Mentorship: Assist the Operations Manager in training Junior Project Coordinators and leading monthly knowledge-sharing meetings.

  • Safety Leadership: Actively promote site safety and contribute to the development of construction safety policies.

 

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent related work experience.

  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in construction.

  • Portfolio: Proven track record in Education and Public Works projects, including experience with various building types and delivery methods.

Core Competencies

  • Language & Communication: * Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex contracts, technical procedures, and government regulations.

    • Strong professional writing skills for reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

    • Confidence in presenting information and responding to questions from managers, clients, and the public.

  • Mathematical Proficiency: * Ability to calculate figures such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

    • Practical application of basic algebra and geometry in a construction context.

  • Analytical Reasoning: * Strong ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

  • Technical Skills: * Proficiency in industry-standard software: Procore, Sage, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Certifications: Relevant industry certifications or accreditations are a plus.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Setting: Primarily office-based (desk work) with frequent visits to active, unfinished construction sites.

  • Physical Requirements: * Regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands for fine motor tasks.

    • Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

    • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.