Project Engineer

Overview The Project Engineer at Kern Glass, a 78-year-old US-based glazing business, is a hybrid role responsible for providing administrative coordination and technical oversight for glazing projects, including windows, curtain walls, storefronts, and specialized installations. This position manages project setup, bidding, documentation, and material coordination while ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with design standards, and high-quality project delivery. The role requires strong organizational, technical, and communication skills to support project teams and uphold the companys legacy of excellence. The full-time position requires 40 hours per week, with standard hours of 8:00 AM-5:00 PM PST, Monday through Friday. Core Duties 1. Project Planning and Coordination Initiate job setup upon contract award or Letter of Intent, attend internal kickoff meetings, obtain the Schedule of Values, draft billing forms, secure contractor approval, and prepare labor compliance documents for the Administrative Assistant. Review contract scope, exclusions, and proposal qualifications; verify insurance requirements and any special provisions before project kickoff. Review and interpret architectural blueprints, specifications, and shop drawings to ensure glazing systems meet design and performance requirements. Update the workflow calendar and maintain a three-month look-ahead schedule for the Project Manager. 2. Quality Assurance and Compliance Verify compliance with local building codes, energy efficiency requirements, and environmental standards. Ensure engineering designs and installation processes comply with OSHA regulations and company safety protocols. Be familiar with and adhere to all company and safety policies during project activities. 4. Documentation and Reporting Maintain job filing for all paper and digital project files, including contracts, change orders, and compliance records. Manage submittal and shop drawing tasks on Monday.com to ensure timely completion within contractual deadlines. Prepare technical reports, submittals, and as-built drawings for clients, architects, and regulatory bodies. Help support project-specific billings monthly, including vendor waivers and releases to job-specific contractors as required by Administator. Document daily reports, RFIs, delay notices, requests for change, and change orders to support project communication. 5. Material and Resource Management Notify the Purchasing Department of approved job-specific materials and assist in procuring ongoing project requirements. Assist in selecting glazing materials based on project requirements, performance needs, and sustainability goals. Coordinate with the Purchasing Agent to ensure materials meet engineering specifications and are delivered on time. 6. Team and Stakeholder Communication Oversee job coordination with the Project Manager, including scheduling employees and managing project communications such as RFIs, delay notices, requests for change, change orders. Act as a technical liaison between clients, architects, contractors, and internal teams to address design or installation challenges. Work with project managers, production teams, and field operations to align engineering solutions with project schedules, budgets, and client expectations. 7. Sustainability and Innovation Incorporate eco-friendly solutions into project designs to meet client and regulatory demands. Stay updated on glazing technologies, such as advanced coatings or smart glass, to enhance project outcomes and competitiveness. 8. Team Management and Compliance When taking time off, assign duties to others to ensure continuity of project tasks. Encourage, develop, and recognize the efforts of employees to foster a positive team environment. Additional Responsibilities Assist in supervising closeouts and punch item documents, coordinating with contractors as required. Perform any duties assi ned by supervisors to support project or company objectives. Provide technical input to the estimating team for accurate cost calculations and assist in preparing technical portions of bid proposals. Train junior engineers or field staff on technical aspects of glazing systems and installation processes. Collaborate with the Production Manager to ensure fabricated products align with engineering designs. Participate in project debriefs to identify lessons learned and improve processes. Support marketing efforts by providing technical insights for promotional materials or client presentations. Contribute to strategic initiatives, such as developing standardized glazing systems to streamline production and installation. Physical Demands Primarily office-based with frequent site visits, requiring standing, walking, and exposure to job site conditions. Occasional lifting of design materials, equipment, or project documents. Requires manual dexterity for handling technical drawings or tools during site inspections. Work Environment Split time between office and job sites, with local travel to project locations within California. May require occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, address urgent technical issues, or complete administrative tasks. Note These duties are tailored to support Kern Glasss operational, technical, and project delivery needs in the glazing industry. The Project Engineer is expected to demonstrate organizational skills, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant glazing solutions while upholding our 75-year legac