Manager, Mechanical, Pre-Construction Services

Overview

Gray Construction is seeking a Mechanical Manager to support the Preconstruction Services team.  This position will be based in the Phoenix, AZ Office.

Why Gray?

Gray is a fully integrated, global service provider deeply rooted in engineering, design, and construction, along with smart manufacturing and equipment manufacturing services. Consistently ranked as a leader in the industry, we focus on the following markets for domestic and international customers: Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Data Centers, Distribution, and Advanced Technology.

Founded in 1960, Gray’s robust offering enables us to create one-of-a-kind solutions at the highest levels of customization, delivering unmatched precision and partnership to some of the world’s most sophisticated organizations. Still, these areas don’t define Gray—our people do. Passion, commitment, and a great team spirit all speak to the team members at Gray.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Manager will play a key role in the pre-construction phase, helping to estimate project costs, coordinate bids with subcontractors, design systems and communicate those details to internal and external customers. This position is ideal for professionals with 8-12 years of experience who are looking to highlight their technical expertise, communication skills, and business acumen in a dynamic environment.

You will gain hands-on experience working on diverse, high-profile projects and have the opportunity to travel to construction sites to see the designs you have helped influence come to life. As part of our team, you will work and partner with industry experts, giving you the resources, guidance, and exposure to showcase your skills and abilities.

Who we want… (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (or related discipline) is preferred, with significant experience (8+ years) in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• Equivalent years of related experience will be considered in place of a technical degree.
• An MBA or related business qualification or experience is desirable.
• Prior experience in construction estimating is preferred but not required. (Emphasis on design-build MEP approach with coordination of design and engineering efforts.)
• Experience reviewing and analyzing construction documents from subcontractors and engineers to confirm they comply with the project scope.
• Experience working with design and engineering managers to ensure project(s) is/are designed, specified, procured, and constructed within the boundaries of operating guidelines, while conforming to technical requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Mechanical Candidates – Experience with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, process piping, ductwork, wastewater, process engineering, mechanical design, or construction management is required.
• Strong analytical abilities with attention to detail.
• Travel less than 20%.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on mentoring and developing junior engineers and technical staff. Proven ability to guide teams in applying best practices for system design, installation, and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Presentations are required to internal and external customers.
• Proficiency in industry specific modeling or estimating tools is preferred, in addition to Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

The new team member should be an energetic, self-motivated individual who enjoys a team environment, as well as a passion for collaboration and professional development. If you are a high achiever striving to exceed expectations in a fast-paced innovative company, then Gray is the place for you.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What we expect… (Essential Functions)

• Cost Estimating & Value Engineering:

• Develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems based on historical data, market analysis, and technical specifications.
• Perform detailed value engineering analyses to optimize system performance and cost-efficiency while ensuring design integrity.
• Collaborate closely with the design and engineering teams to refine estimating techniques and improve overall accuracy and precision.
• Proficient in various contracting methods such as lump sum, GMP, cost-plus construction management, and fee-based construction. Basic understanding of legal aspects and implications of contractual language.

• Subcontractor Coordination & Integration:

• • Cultivate strong relationships with key mechanical, fire protection, and plumbing subcontractors, leveraging their expertise in system design and construction methodologies.
  • Lead the distribution of technical RFP documents, manage bid leveling processes, and ensure subcontractor proposals are aligned with project scope, technical specifications, and budget constraints.
  • Review subcontractor proposals for compliance with technical requirements and identify any gaps or areas for further clarification.

• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Prepare and maintain detailed, organized records of cost estimates, project specifications, and bid documentation.
  • Lead the development of exhibit A’s, contract documentation, and project status reports, ensuring all technical and contractual elements are clearly communicated to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Project Management Support:

• Assist in preparing project proposals, conducting bid evaluations, and assessing the feasibility of alternative solutions.
• Support a seamless transition from pre-construction to construction phases by delivering necessary documentation and detailed design specifications.
• Manage concurrent pre-construction efforts and support execution teams through the development and deployment of complex system solutions.

• Design Collaboration & Oversight:

• Provide expert-level recommendations for the design of mechanical, fire protection, or plumbing systems, driving innovation, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
• Collaborate with design teams to ensure the technical feasibility and efficiency of proposed designs.
• Analyze and refine design documents to optimize system performance and integration within the broader project scope.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the team member is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands or arms and talk or hear.  They may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.  Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Generally, normal office environment where noise level is moderate and temperature/humidity is controlled. Overtime may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position provides indirect leadership to a growing team of technical professionals with broader influence across multidisciplinary project teams. In some cases, direct management of an entry level employee may be required.

EEO Disclaimer

Gray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.