Senior MEP Engineer (Des Moines)

Turner Construction Company
Turner Construction Company

Posted on Sep 13, 2026
If you picture yourself doing great things that make a difference in the lives of others, Turner is the place to be. Turner Construction is an industry leading commercial construction general contractor with a 120-year history spanning iconic projects around the globe, including 10 of the world's 100 tallest buildings. Turner’s rich Iowa history began with the construction of the iconic Hazen Water Tower in 1930 located at 48th and Hickman in Des Moines and continues today as Iowa’s leading General Contractor. Turner’s Des Moines office portfolio includes everything from healthcare, higher education, aviation, municipalities, commercial, sports, critical facilities, office buildings, and renovations. Turner is committed to sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone feels connected, sees themselves represented at all levels of the company, and feels supported to reach their ultimate potential. Turner builds some of the most ambitious projects in the world. The technical expertise of our people makes us a recognized leader in many markets. Our projects are well known. Our people set us apart. We inspire greatness. Can you picture yourself at Turner? If so, apply and let’s do great things together! This is not a remote/hybrid position and will be based in a Turner office or project location. Position Description: Prepare detailed estimates for the project based on the design documents, narratives, and specifications, focusing on the Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection trades. Reports to: Preconstruction Manager / MEP Manager Essential Duties Responsibilities*: Specifically relating to the mechanical systems: Lead responsibility for complex projects such as Mission Critical, Hospital/Healthcare, Pharma and Government jobs that have an MEP package of $25M+. Communicate estimate and scopes of work to the Turner staff, architects, engineers, and owners. Prepare quantity take-offs, analysis, estimates, and studies for all Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection items incorporated in the scope from conceptual design through completed construction documents. Preliminary design work may be required to complete conceptual estimates. Analyze existing site conditions and all contract documents (plans, specifications, etc.) to determine required scope that is not already indicated. May supervise Assistant MEP Estimators, Estimating Assistants and/or Interns. Develop working relationships with local material suppliers and equipment vendors to solicit accurate and current pricing of plumbing fixtures, HVAC equipment, piping sheet metal material, and miscellaneous material pricing. Develop working relationships with local Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection sub-contractors to build and maintain a list of qualified bidders for all projects. Perform constructability analysis of project documents. Communicate design and constructability issues to the project team per the project contract. Provide first costs analysis and participate in life cycle analysis with the design team. Participate in decision making process with Operations and Procurement when determining MEP subs to utilize on a project pursuit. Lead company-wide or regional MEP initiatives, including special projects and/or project pursuits. Develops and maintains in-depth interactions and relationships with clients. Implements MEP training. May assist with development of that training. Lead integration of the MEP Operations staff during the MEP PreCon process and continue to consult through construction. Ensure general conditions and general requirements items are properly addressed in the estimate including, but not limited to, items such as temporary heating/cooling, including estimating of natural gas consumption during construction. Coordinate equipment pricing with Turner Logistics for Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection estimates. Develop a value analysis by defining alternatives to the proposed Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection systems, materials and equipment that are more cost efficient. Act as liaison with engineers, design consultants, subcontractors, other Turner staff, and owner’s representatives to resolve Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection issues related to the project preconstruction efforts. Prepare estimates and proposals for all contract types including lump sum, GMP, Cost Plus, etc. Participate in estimate reviews with the design team and client. Participate in project hand-off to operations to ensure proper transfer of knowledge from Preconstruction to operations. Prepare scope requisitions for the bidding/procurement of Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection systems; coordinating with fellow estimators to eliminate scope gaps and overlaps. Lead the evaluation of subcontractor proposals relative to their scope of work. Determine scope coverage and manage risk of scope gaps. Assist project staff in evaluating large change orders. #LI-ND1