Construction Engineer

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

Support the planning, design, coordination, and execution of construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects across the Sky Chefs network. Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory, airport, and company requirements while minimizing disruption to operations.

Main Accountabilities

Construction Engineering & Technical Support

• Assist with the planning, design, and execution of facility construction, renovation, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, construction documents, bid packages, and cost estimates.
• Perform site assessments, field inspections, and constructability reviews to support project planning and execution.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, DOT, FAA, environmental, local building codes, and airport authority requirements.
• Coordinate engineering solutions for facility expansions, equipment installations, utility upgrades, and building modifications.
• Review engineering drawings, submittals, RFIs, and contractor proposals for technical accuracy and compliance.
• Support value engineering initiatives to improve project efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize schedules.
• Assist in resolving construction-related issues and provide technical recommendations during project execution.

Project Management & Construction Coordination

• Coordinate construction activities from design through project closeout.
• Monitor project scope, budget, schedule, quality, and contractor performance.
• Support the preparation and administration of contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and project documentation.
• Maintain project records and reporting within Procore, Ariba, or equivalent project management platforms.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, airport authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Track project milestones and proactively identify schedule, cost, or quality risks.
• Assist in managing permitting activities and ensuring all required approvals are obtained.
• Review contractor invoices, lien waivers, and payment applications for accuracy and completeness.
• Participate in project meetings and provide regular status updates to management.

Field Operations & Compliance

• Conduct routine construction site visits to verify compliance with plans, specifications, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Ensure contractors follow OSHA regulations, company safety standards, and site-specific procedures.
• Support facility operations by coordinating construction activities that minimize operational disruptions.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, turnover, and closeout activities for completed projects.
• Maintain project documentation including drawings, permits, punch lists, as-built records, and warranties.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with Facilities, Operations, Procurement, Asset Management, and Maintenance teams to support construction project execution.
• Serve as a technical resource for construction-related projects and initiatives.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, automation projects, sustainability initiatives, quality audits, and continuous improvement programs.
• Model company values and contribute to cross-functional project teams.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field required.
• Minimum of 3-7 years of experience in construction engineering, project engineering, construction management, or related fields.
• Experience supporting commercial, industrial, manufacturing, airport, or food production facility projects preferred.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, scheduling, estimating, and contract administration.
• Familiarity with permitting processes, building codes, OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and airport authority standards.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and engineering documents.
• Experience coordinating contractors, consultants, vendors, and multiple project stakeholders.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Procore, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and project management software preferred.
• Working knowledge of cost control, budgeting, scheduling, and construction procurement processes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively with field personnel through executive leadership.
• EIT certification preferred; PMP certification a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20% as required.

Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.