VDC Engineer

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That’s why we don’t just build and renovate, we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.As our VDC Engineer, you will help bridge design intent and field execution through technology, visualization, and practical problem-solving. This role plays a critical part in helping our teams build smarter, safer, and more efficiently by turning digital models into real-world construction impact.Who You AreYou are equal parts builder, strategist, and technology enthusiast. You are energized by solving complex coordination challenges and translating digital tools into practical jobsite value. You thrive when balancing precision with adaptability and enjoy partnering with field teams, project managers, and trade partners to make construction more efficient and more buildable.You are proactive, detail-oriented, and naturally service-minded. You do not simply create models; you create clarity. You are motivated by ownership, continuous improvement, and finding smarter ways to support project success.How You’ll ContributeBIM Model Management & CoordinationDevelop, update, and manage 3D/4D/5D BIM models throughout the full project lifecycleLead constructability, logistics, and clash coordination efforts with project teams and trade partnersBuild models that support estimating and field operations, even when project information is limited or evolvingEnsure models, files, and coordination data remain organized, current, and usable across all project phasesSupport the long-term sustainability and financial health of VDC services by identifying reimbursable opportunities and helping VDC remain cost-neutralConstruction Planning & VisualizationProduce model-based logistics plans, phasing diagrams, sequencing animations, and 4D schedulesSupport preconstruction and estimating teams through quantity takeoff, constructability reviews, and workflow visualizationHelp project teams clearly understand site constraints, sequencing, and design intent through visual communicationEnsure digital deliverables actively support field workflows and executionField Technology & IntegrationServe as the VDC point of contact for assigned projects or scopesVisit jobsites regularly to validate work-in-place and improve model accuracyPartner with field teams to support layout, sequencing, tolerances, and installation coordinationDeploy and support construction technology, including laser scanning, drones, AR/VR, layout tools, and reality capture systemsIntegrate field-captured data such as scans, point clouds, and photos into active project modelsProject Documentation & ControlsEnsure project models align with BIM Execution Plan (BEP) requirementsManage coordination logs, clash reports, meeting minutes, and VDC documentationSupport as-built model updates and digital closeout deliverablesVDC Standards & Continuous ImprovementTrain internal teams and trade partners on VDC tools, software, and workflowsSupport the evolution of Gardner’s VDC standards, templates, and best practicesDocument lessons learned to strengthen future project outcomesStay engaged in emerging construction technologies through ongoing professional developmentWhat You’ll Bring1–4 years of VDC, BIM, or related construction field experienceWorking knowledge of Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and BIM coordination toolsAbility to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and incomplete design informationUnderstanding of construction sequencing, logistics planning, and commercial building methodsExperience coordinating with trade partners and project teamsStrong communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical concepts for practical field useProven ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and deliver buildable solutionsStrong organization, responsiveness, and time management skillsCommitment to confidentiality, accountability, and continuous learningWhat Will Set You ApartDirect field operations or jobsite experience, preferably in pipefitting, HVAC, carpentry, or ironworkingExperience with laser scanning or advanced reality capture toolsExposure to estimating support, quantity takeoff, or preconstruction workflowsPassion for improving systems, standards, and innovation across a growing VDC functionWhy Join Gardner Builders?We are proud to be recognized as:7-Time “Best Places to Work” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal6-Time “Top 150 Workplaces” by Minneapolis Star Tribune#1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)4-Time “Best Workplace” by Inc Magazine“Best Places to Work” by Milwaukee Business JournalOur culture-first approach encourages personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged, and loves coming to work.Compensation & BenefitsAnnual Salary: $85,000 - $110,000 annually (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus. Please note this is a non-union position.Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401(k) plan with employer contributionAncillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurancePerks: Paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone, and laptop.Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, free onsite fitness facility, and regular company and team outings.Interview ProcessOur process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.Pre-Employment ScreeningDrug screen and background check required.Other Items to Note Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation for unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.We are only considering local candidates at this time. We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time.