Lead Pre-Construction Engineer – AV & Low Voltage

About Lockstep

Lockstep Technology Group is a leading IT solutions provider focused on digital transformation, cloud architecture, security & emerging solutions. Our mission is to empower Technology teams to be strategic enablers in their organizations. We eliminate the distractions and complexity of infrastructure, security, and access.  We believe today’s technology leaders are co-creators of tomorrow’s strategies, in a world that requires technology to optimize outcomes while evolving in real-time through the adoption of new tools.  Lockstep fosters innovation by also empowering employees in an environment where the core values of honesty, commitment, trust, and respect create a high-performing, cohesive team.

The Lead Pre-Construction Engineer – AV & Low Voltage is responsible for supporting new construction and renovation projects through accurate cost estimating, technical design development, and pre-construction planning. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, estimating, and solution design, ensuring proposed solutions are technically sound, financially viable, and aligned with client requirements and applicable codes.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in AV, low-voltage, and integrated building systems, along with the ability to translate drawings and specifications into clear scopes, BOMs, and cost models. This role partners closely with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to set projects up for successful execution.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) Plan with a discretionary company match
• Short-term/long-term disability and life insurance
• Flexible PTO
• 8 company-paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What you'll own

Pre-Construction Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Develop detailed cost estimates for new construction and renovation projects, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and contingencies.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, and scope documents to define system requirements and create Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Validate labor assumptions, installation complexity, and sequencing to ensure realistic and executable estimates.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering that optimize cost while maintaining performance, compliance, and long-term reliability.
• Maintain and refine historical pricing, labor models, and estimating standards.

Technical Design & Solution Development

• Design end-to-end AV and low-voltage solutions aligned with project goals, budgets, and construction constraints.
• Develop conceptual designs and system approaches for:
  • Audio-Visual systems
  • Structured cabling
  • Video surveillance
  • Building access control
  • Intercom and life-safety–adjacent systems (where applicable)
• Collaborate with internal engineering, project management, and operations teams to ensure designs are constructable and scalable.
• Ensure proposed solutions comply with building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards.
• Support Sales by answering technical questions, clarifying scope, and contributing to proposal development.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Lead cross-functional collaboration during the pre-construction and proposal phase, ensuring alignment between Sales, Engineering, and Operations.
• Present estimates, scopes, and technical approaches to internal stakeholders and, when needed, to clients or partners.
• Serve as a technical mentor to junior estimators or engineers, promoting consistency, accuracy, and best practices.
• Act as a key handoff partner to delivery teams, ensuring projects move from pre-construction to execution with clarity and confidence.

Risk Management & Quality Assurance

• Identify technical, cost, and schedule risks during pre-construction and propose mitigation strategies.
• Perform quality checks on estimates, scopes, and designs prior to submission or handoff.
• Flag assumptions, exclusions, and constraints clearly to avoid downstream change orders or margin erosion.

What we're looking for

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating and solution architecture for commercial and K-12  projects.
• Strong understanding of building codes, safety standards, and sustainable design principles.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Fire Alarm, Intercom and Data Structured Cabling experience a plus

Preferred Skills

• Experience with design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD) models.
• Knowledge of emerging construction technologies and smart building systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

What to expect

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus. Occasionally will have to work in outside weather conditions. May also be required to use specialized equipment, machines, drive loading truck. Must be able to lift at least 150 pounds. 

55-65% travel required 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Lockstep Technology Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.