Project Engineer (entry Level)

Project Engineer

Ascent, now part of Wesco, is a leading provider of mission-critical facility solutions across North America. With deep expertise in data center development, engineering, and operations, Ascent supports thousands of sites for top-tier clients, delivering reliable performance and innovative technology. As part of the Wesco family, Ascent continues to set the standard for safety, service, and operational excellence in the critical infrastructure sector.

As a Project Engineer, you will lead the design, planning, and execution of building system upgrades and repairs, focusing on electrical and mechanical infrastructure. This role involves managing the full project lifecycle—from pre-construction design and RFP development to construction oversight and ongoing operations support—ensuring quality, budget, and schedule goals are met. You will serve as a trusted consultant to clients, providing expert evaluations and recommendations for system improvements while fostering strong relationships with contractors and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare designs, specifications, and drawings for repair and replacement/upgrade of building electrical and/or mechanical systems and other related systems/components. Manage the RFP process.
• Lead project team and sub-contractors to ensure that projects are completed within established goals for quality, timeliness, budget, profitability, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead and organize project management activities—reviewing and updating the budget, preparing and updating a project schedule, and establishing project communications, standards, and files.
• Provide consulting/owner's rep services by proactively evaluating existing building systems and providing recommendations and a plan of action to repair/upgrade/enhance systems.
• Create positive client relationships and pursue new project opportunities that the company should engage in with existing customers. Continually develop a strong network with local contractors.
• Pre-construction responsibilities:
  • Manage the preparation of designs, specifications, and drawings for repair and replacement/upgrade of building electrical and/or mechanical systems and other related systems/components.
  • Create and distribute RFPs to include development of contractual terms and conditions relating to proposal/bid pricing. Evaluate responses, award contracts, and oversee activity through satisfactory completion.
• Project Engineering/Management responsibilities:
  • Manage the performance of construction administration services during major repair and replacement/upgrade of building electrical and/or mechanical systems and other related systems/components.
  • Supervise and coordinate sub-contractors to assure proper installation of equipment and delivery of services.
  • Work closely with clients and vendors to ensure on time, according to specifications, within budget implementation of projects.
  • Maintain detailed records on all installed wiring, cabling, UPS, HVAC, fire protection, emergency generator, security, and mechanical systems and components.
• Consulting / Owner's Rep responsibilities:
  • Manage and/or perform analysis, evaluations, and investigations of existing buildings' electrical and/or mechanical systems, with emphasis on power, lighting, life safety, communications, and security.
  • Prepare and review reports for electrical and/or mechanical systems from a design, operation, and maintenance perspective including identification of items requiring remedial action and estimated repair costs.
  • Provide engineering, supervision, and project management support for existing data center operations.
  • Troubleshoot emergencies, potential problems, and issues, and organize and supervise resolution.
• Ongoing Operations Support
  • Provide ongoing technical support, management, and oversight of vendors as necessary.
  • Continually develop local contractor network associations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or other related field required
• 3 plus years applicable work experience in data center, pharmaceutical, hospital, or other mission critical industries.
• Technical proficiency in planning and scheduling, must exhibit excellent organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills, the ability to lead coordination meetings, and actively facilitate progress in order to achieve scheduled goals.
• Disciplined approach to managing task assignments. People skills, good judgment, and flexibility are critical to this position.
• Ability to work cooperatively with internal administration groups, and to deal directly with customers and contractors to reach mutually acceptable terms and conditions.
• Travel as needed to meet client/project requirements.
• Knowledge of construction planning, mechanical or electrical systems necessary, building controls, fire systems, security systems; experience in these areas a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office, MS Project, and Auto Cad desired.

The data center work environment is a highly secure, physically demanding, and structured operation, characterized by its loud, controlled temperature conditions and 24/7/365 uptime. The environment demands a high attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills to manage and troubleshoot critical equipment during regular operation and in emergency situations. Lifting up to 50 lbs, regular bending, stooping, climbing, and long periods of walking/standing will be required.

Compensation details: $68,000 - $78,000 per year. This amount is what we reasonably believe we will pay for the position; however, offer amounts may vary based on factors such as geographic location, relevant education, experience, qualifications, skills, shift, or any collective bargaining agreements. For eligible positions, compensation may include participation in a bonus or sales incentive plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents. For certain sales roles, Wesco also offers a commission structure that provides additional compensation based on sales results, as defined by the applicable commission plan.

In addition, Wesco offers a benefits program for eligible employees, which may include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement savings plans. Additional details about benefits are available here.