Project Engineering Associate

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

The Engineering Project Associate - Internal Capital Projects is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing internal construction and capital improvement projects from initiation through closeout. The role is based at the Ruther Glen, VA facility and also supports capital projects at other key company locations, requiring periodic travel.

This is a hands-on, technically engaged project management role intended for a motivated early-career professional. The Engineering Project Associate will independently own small projects and support larger or more complex projects under the direction of the Corporate Facilities Manager.

Projects may range from small space improvements or system upgrades to full replacement of building systems, including projects up to and exceeding $100K, aimed at improving facility performance or enabling new operational functions.

Project Planning & Initiation
* Support initiation of internal capital and construction projects
* Gather requirements and define project scope with stakeholders
* Develop preliminary project plans, schedules, and budgets
* Prepare CapEx approval documentation and justifications
* Evaluate technical options and constructability considerations

Project Management & Execution
* Independently manage small internal capital projects from design through completion
* Support larger projects under direction of the Corporate Facilities Manager
* Coordinate contractors, consultants, and daily project activities
* Track milestones, deliverables, and project risks
* Participate in site walks, meetings, inspections, and closeout activities

Budgeting & Cost Control
* Develop and track project budgets for assigned projects
* Monitor costs, commitments, and expenditures
* Review contractor invoices for accuracy
* Track and support management of change orders
* Forecast remaining project costs

Scheduling & Coordination
* Develop and maintain project schedules
* Coordinate work between internal teams and contractors
* Track schedule impacts and recovery actions
* Coordinate work to minimize disruption to operations

Contract & Vendor Management
* Support procurement of contractors, engineers, and consultants
* Review scopes of work, proposals, and contracts
* Coordinate contractor access and site logistics
* Monitor contractor performance and scope adherence

Safety, Quality & Compliance
* Support enforcement of jobsite safety requirements
* Ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations
* Participate in safety walks and inspections
* Support quality reviews and corrective actions

Stakeholder Communication & Coordination
* Collaborate with facilities, engineering, and operations teams
* Serve as point of contact for assigned projects
* Prepare project updates and status reports
* Participate in project meetings and presentations

Multi-Site Project Support
* Support internal CapEx projects at multiple company locations
* Coordinate remotely with site teams and vendors
* Travel to project sites as required

Documentation, Reporting & Closeout
* Maintain organized project documentation
* Track drawings, submittals, RFIs, and approvals
* Prepare closeout documentation including as-builts and warranties
* Participate in post-project reviews

Qualifications & Experience

Required:
* Bachelor's degree or higher in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related technical field
* 0+ years of experience in construction, facilities projects, or engineering
* Strong organizational and communication skills
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
* Willingness to travel as required

Preferred:
* Experience managing small capital projects independently
* Exposure to budgeting, scheduling, and cost tracking
* Familiarity with construction drawings and specifications
* Experience working with contractors and consultants

Working Conditions
Work is primarily based at the Ruther Glen, VA facility, with travel to other project sites as required. Field presence at active construction sites is expected. Flexible working hours may be required to accommodate project deadlines and site-specific requirements.

Abilities:

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.