About Us
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.
The Role We Want You For
The MEP/FP Preconstruction Manager will lead and assist the bidding of construction projects by managing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection scopes of work during the preconstruction phase of a project including, estimating subcontractor selection and procurement. The MEP/FP Preconstruction Manager will play a key role in departmental initiatives and improvements.
The Specifics of the Role
- Complete mechanical portion of estimates for $1mm to $500mm industrial, commercial and institutional construction projects.
- Identify and maintain relationships with mechanical subcontractors in St. Louis, Chicago and across the country.
- Visit project sites.
- Ability to perform minor take-off on mechanical portion of project.
- Estimate costs of project mechanical work for projects that could be in any phase of design from conceptual to construction documents.
- Provide guidance on HVAC systems choices and value engineering ideas.
- Assist in developing and maintaining mechanical unit cost data.
- Develop “Invitations to Bid” scopes of work for mechanical subcontractors on projects.
- Review subcontractor bids, confirm score of work and prepare bid tabulation.
- Coordinate estimating efforts with the rest of the preconstruction team and our internal customers.
- Participate in presentations to clients.
- Assist in preconstruction project scheduling for mechanical work.
- Specify and assist in the purchasing of mechanical equipment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Construction related degree preferred.
- Seven + years MEP estimating or Design/Build experience with a Design/Build or hard bid construction or mechanical firm.
- Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and BIM models.
- Understanding of complex mechanical systems and how to price and schedule them.
- Ability to walk renovation projects and determine scope of work and recommended solution.
- Motivated, hardworking, team player.
- Knowledge of estimating and quantity takeoff software.
- Strong computer skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions, and trade practices.
- Desire to lead and teach junior preconstruction team members.
Some Things You Should Know
- Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
- No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
- We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
- The pace is fast!
- This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.
Why Clayco?
- 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
- 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
- 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
- 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
Benefits
- Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!
Compensation
- The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Construction related degree
- Seven+ years MEP estimating or Design/Build experience with construction or mechanical firm
- Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings and BIM models
- Ability to perform minor take-off on mechanical portion of projects
- Understanding of complex mechanical systems and how to price and schedule them
- Ability to walk renovation projects and determine scope of work and recommended solutions
- Knowledge of estimating and quantity takeoff software
- Strong computer skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions, and trade practices
- Desire to lead and teach junior preconstruction team members
What We Do
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey firm providing real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction services across North America. The company delivers integrated project solutions intended to meet clients’ quality, schedule and budget expectations. Its work emphasizes collaborative design, construction quality, craftsmanship, efficient project management, cost containment and jobsite safety, making it one of the nation’s largest privately owned firms.
