
Ryan Companies has an immediate need for a Senior Preconstruction Engineer for its Des Moines OR Cedar Rapids, Iowa office. Recent college graduates with a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or an engineering discipline with a strong interest in a career in construction management are invited to apply.
With more than 80 years in business and 15 offices (and growing!), Ryan offers comprehensive commercial real estate solutions to customers across the US. We bring a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to delivering spaces where people thrive and businesses succeed. Join a company with an outstanding culture and competitive benefits. At Ryan, we don’t just build buildings – we build stories.
Some things you can expect to do:
Work with preconstruction team and project managers to develop conceptual and detailed estimates
Perform quantity take-offs of all construction systems
Create project estimates individually and with a team
Solicit subcontractor pricing for budgeting and bid proposals
Scope and select subcontractors based on best value and project requirements
Record final estimates and maintain cost history
Create, track, and manage project scope
Participate and review buyout and GMP estimates
Create preconstruction schedules with project management and field personal
Support development, architectural and construction teams with preconstruction expertise including value design, cost validation, project scheduling, procurement and project pursuits
Consistently achieves appropriate project estimates
Review and provide feedback on project estimates created by the project managers
Provide direction for understanding project scope, market pricing and available resources
Assist clients and developers with conceptual budgets of various types of projects
Capable of cost modeling using Uniformat II system costs
Learn CSI and Uniformat II
Some things we would like you to have:
4-year construction engineering or construction management degree
Knowledge of construction means and methods, building types and procurement methods
Ability to read and understand project plans and details
Ability to perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take offs, and summarize data in a meaningful way
Positive and effective communication abilities
Ability to teach skills and knowledge to others
Ability to listen, prioritize and value the opinions of others
Prior construction experience in the field or office is a PLUS.
An interest in learning Destini Estimating platform, OST, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, JOIN, VICO, Navisworks, and Revit.
Recent college graduates WILL be considered.
You will really stand out if you have construction internship experience and up to 3 or 4 years of construction management experience.
Eligibility:
Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.
Benefits:
Competitive Salary
Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
Retirement and Savings Benefits
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Educational Assistance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
Parenting Benefits
Employee Discount Programs
Pet insurance
Ryan Foundation – charitable matching funds
Paid Time for Volunteer Events
Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.
Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Notice to Candidates:
Please be advised that initial outreach regarding employment at Ryan Companies will only occur via email from the domain @ryancompanies.com email address. If you recieve communication from someone you believe is impersonating Ryan Companies, please report it to us at humanresources@ryancompanies.com
Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:
Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

At Ryan Companies, we believe the value of the buildings we design, develop, finance, manage and construct is about more than dollars and cents – it’s also about the value they bring to the people who use them and the communities that surround them. That’s why we focus first on the “why” so we can give life to your vision and achieve the best possible outcome.
As a national leader in commercial real estate services, we know that our customers are as unique as their projects. That’s why, day after day, we’re driven to uncover their stories. To be inspired by what inspires them. To bring the right people to the table so we can collaborate on a deeper, more engaging level.
Together, we build something far more profound than the physical presence of a building. We build the backdrops to life’s stories.
At Ryan, our values – Safety, Integrity, Respect, Stewardship, Family, Excellence and Fun – define our culture and they shape and ignite the people who join our team. They are more than words in a mission statement, they are the inspiration that guides our decisions and shapes our belief that we offer something no one else can. In the end, your building is better, your experience working with us more enjoyable, your community more vibrant and your project site safer – all because we embrace our values each day.