Preconstruction Manager - Water Design Build

Water At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re making our world better with every water and wastewater project we complete, and we know the importance of accurate estimates to the success of these projects. We’re looking for a skilled Preconstruction Manager to support complex water, wastewater, environmental, heavy civil, operations and maintenance, and military / government facility projects.

• You'll review proposals, conceptual designs, detailed design documents (drawings and specifications), attend design development meetings and make sites visits to best define the scope of work and cost impacts required of the process.
• You’ll be a key contributor and mentor to a knowledgeable and supportive team as you prepare estimates by developing project work breakdown structures, calculating complete scope of work take-offs, assisting contracts staff with statements of work for subcontractors and vendors, apply construction means and methods, prepare schedules, calculate indirect field and owner’s costs.
• Design teams will also collaborate with you on the quality and amount of input necessary to develop the required level of design build construction estimates.
• You’ll tap into both your creative and analytical sides in this role as you develop reports and presentations as well as analyze historical data.
• Bring your attention to detail, extensive construction experience, and desire to grow, and we’ll help you pursue what drives you – so we can tackle challenging water and wastewater projects, together.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management or similar, significant experience.
• Proficient skills in the area of current technology (communications, estimating, scheduling, and database software). We typically use AutoCAD, Microstation, Bluebeam, Timberline, Microsoft Excel, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, and SQL-based databases.
• Demonstrated understanding of estimating organizational structure and process, including quantity takeoff, crew development, productivity relationships, material quotations, contingency and risk model development, escalation model development, knowledge of markup structures and estimate documentation.
• Proficient in quantitative risk analysis using software. We typically use Deltek Acumen for schedule and cost analyses. • Experience using industry estimating software, such as Timberline and HCSS Heavy Bid. • Understanding of project scheduling; ability to use Primavera P6 and / or Smartsheet.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.
• Able to travel to meet project needs.
• Travel is expected to be variable based on project needs, but generally infrequent.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have:

• Strong and effective written, oral and presentation skills.
• This position is frequently client-facing about sometimes difficult topics (scope, schedule, budget).
• Adept at interpersonal relationship building and conflict resolution.
• Able to complete tasks independently. You will have an independent role and responsibilities where expectations will be defined and guidance will be available, but the ultimate path to success will be yours.
• Extensive background with water and wastewater construction including field experience.
• The physical and environmental demands required to perform the essential duties of this position include standing, walking, sitting, coordination, balance and agility demands, which may include the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, squat, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements. Additional demands may involve a specific level of dexterity, grip strength, climbing and cardiorespiratory demands. The work areas may be indoor, outdoor, have loud noise, active machinery that includes high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, some defined confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, air borne particles, noxious gases, and chemicals as you would come to expect in the water and wastewater design build industry.

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Posted Salary Range: Minimum

123,600.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

193,200.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $123,600.00 to $193,200.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on January 08, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Baltimore	Maryland	United States
Parsippany	New Jersey	United States
Virginia Beach	Virginia	United States
Charlotte	North Carolina	United States
Greenville	South Carolina	United States
Atlanta	Georgia	United States
Jacksonville	Florida	United States
Denver	Colorado	United States
Syracuse	New York	United States