Construction Specialist 1 - New Grads (Jan 2026)

Join CDM Smith in Chicago as a Construction Specialist supporting project planning, execution, and close-out in a dynamic construction environment.

Your Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist in reviewing documents, preparing deliverables, and participating in pre-bid site visits during the pursuit phase.
• Evaluate complex proposals and research labor, material, and equipment costs to determine total project costs.
• Develop preliminary schedules for engineering and construction and General Conditions based on bidding document requirements.
• Collaborate with project teams, subcontractors, clients, and owners to ensure timely and safe project completion.
• Coordinate timely arrival and installation of materials and equipment with field personnel and vendors.
• Prepare and review submittals, issue construction documents and layouts, respond to RFIs, and supervise project activities of basic to moderate complexity.
• Conduct inspections to maintain Quality Control reporting and evaluate safety performance metrics of subcontractors and vendors.
• Support project close-out by completing contract deliverables, closing subcontract and purchase orders, developing final record drawings and as-builts, and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Work with project manager and VDC team to develop project capability needs and VDC plans, facilitating collaboration via VDC, BIM, and traditional methods.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

About You

The company is looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (0 years experience acceptable).
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Basic computation skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with technology associated with engineering and construction projects.
• Proficient knowledge of construction terminology.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents and drawings.
• Intermediate personal computer skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally up to 20% depending on project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Compensation

• Salary range: $66,248 to $109,283.

Training & Development

CDM Smith fosters personal leadership, career growth, and development for every employee in a challenging, progressive, and inclusive work environment.

Career Progression

The company hires for careers, not jobs, offering opportunities to shape your career journey and grow within the construction industry.

This job may close before the stated closing date, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

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