New Project Engineer at fast-paced TI GC. Thrown into the fire and looking for advice from experienced PMs/Supers
I’m about 4 weeks into a Project Engineer role with a commercial GC that specializes mostly in tenant improvements. The company does a high volume of smaller, fast-moving projects where speed, relationships, communication, and execution are critical.
I came from more of a field background before moving into this role, so I understand construction, but I’m still learning the office and project management side. I negotiated a higher-than-average salary coming in, so I know the expectation is that I need to provide value quickly.
The challenge is that the company is pretty chaotic. Great people, good culture, and a lot of experienced builders, but there is not a lot of structure. There are not many formal systems or standardized processes. A lot of information lives in people’s heads. PMs and Supers are moving extremely fast, projects are already underway when I’m added to them, and there is not much formal training because everyone is busy.
I’m not complaining about it. I actually see it as a great opportunity. If I can learn to succeed in this environment, I think it will make me much stronger long term. I also think there is an opportunity down the road to help create systems that make everyone’s job easier.
Right now I’m trying to build myself a simple project dashboard/checklist so I can stay on top of each job without waiting for someone to tell me what needs attention.
Currently tracking:
RFIs
Submittals
Subcontracts
Change orders
I’m realizing that is probably only part of the picture.
For those of you who are experienced PEs, PMs, Supers, or company leaders:
What should a strong PE be tracking every week?
What are the common things that get missed on fast-moving TI projects?
What information should I be getting from my Superintendent regularly?
If you had a newer PE who was motivated but thrown into a fast-paced company with minimal direction, what habits would make you think “this person gets it”?
For those who have worked at companies that were successful but lacked organization, what processes, checklists, or tools actually helped?
Appreciate any advice. I’m trying to become someone who makes projects run smoother, not just another person pushing paperwork around.