At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That’s why we don’t just build and remodel , we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.
As Project Engineer, you may work across any of our market focuses, including Healthcare, Commercial Interiors, Industrial, Higher Education, Historical/Repositioning, Mission-Critical, and/or Life Sciences.
Who You Are
You’re a detail-oriented and collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You find energy in keeping teams organized, documentation accurate, and schedules moving forward. Relationships matter to you - you communicate clearly, build trust quickly, and keep everyone aligned with warmth and empathy. You’re eager to grow in your career, learn from experienced project leaders, and contribute to projects that make a real impact in our community.
How You’ll Contribute
As a Project Engineer, you’ll support the successful delivery of commercial construction projects by coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and helping ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish. Depending on project size and scope, you may serve as a project lead on small to midsize projects, or provide daily support to a Project Manager on larger projects. Some of your key responsibilities include:
- Support project planning, execution, and closeout activities.
- Develop and track submittals, RFIs, change orders, and procurement logs.
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of contracts, drawings, and other project documentation.
- Generate, monitor, and update project schedules; identify deliverables and task owners.
- Manage owner pay applications, invoices, and change documentation.
- Support weekly project and OAC meetings with accurate notes and follow-up.
- Obtain permits and required regulatory approvals.
- Support project closeout by compiling O&M manuals, closeout packets, and punchlist follow-up.
- Maintain consistent communication with internal teams, clients, and trade partners to ensure alignment.
What Success Looks Like
You’ll know you’re succeeding when:
- Your project documentation is accurate, timely, and organized.
- Project Managers and Superintendents can rely on you for dependable support and proactive problem-solving.
- Clients, design partners, and trade partners feel supported and well-informed.
- You continue to grow your technical and leadership skills, building toward greater responsibility.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 1–2 years of construction experience (internships, co-ops, or similar roles welcome).
- Understanding of general contracting and the project life cycle.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.
- Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and graphic.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project scheduling tools, and Apple devices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs.
- Collaborative, humble, and solutions-oriented mindset.
What Will Set You Apart
- 2–4 years of general contracting experience.
- Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, or other construction management software.
- Experience managing project documentation and financials.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and proactively solve problems.
Why Join Gardner Builders?
We are proud to be recognized as:
- 7-Time “Best Places to Work” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
- 6-Time “Top 150 Workplaces” by Minneapolis Star Tribune
- #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
- 4-Time “Best Workplace” by Inc Magazine
- “Best Places to Work” by Milwaukee Business Journal
Our culture-first approach encourages personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged and loves coming to work.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual Salary: $60,000 - $95,000 annual salary (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401k plan with employer contribution.
- Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance.
- Perks: Monthly auto allowance, paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone and laptop.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and regular company and team outings.
Interview Process
Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.
Pre-Employment Screening
Drug screen and background check required.
Other Items to Note
- Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
- Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
- We are only considering local candidates at this time. We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This role is primarily office-based but may occasionally require visits to active construction sites. Candidates should be comfortable sitting for extended periods during computer work, meetings, and travel by car or plane. The ability to lift up to 20 pounds is needed to move materials or equipment as required. Regular use of hands for typing, writing, and using a mouse is expected, along with clear communication skills and the ability to read color-coded charts and graphs. When visiting jobsites, team members may encounter dust, uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and temperature extremes. Reasonable accommodations can be made to support individuals with disabilities.