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 Are

You 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 Contribute

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.

BIM Model Management & Coordination

• Develop, update, and manage 3D/4D/5D BIM models throughout the full project lifecycle
• Lead constructability, logistics, and clash coordination efforts with project teams and trade partners
• Build models that support estimating and field operations, even when project information is limited or evolving
• Ensure models, files, and coordination data remain organized, current, and usable across all project phases
• Support the long-term sustainability and financial health of VDC services by identifying reimbursable opportunities and helping VDC remain cost-neutral

Construction Planning & Visualization

• Produce model-based logistics plans, phasing diagrams, sequencing animations, and 4D schedules
• Support preconstruction and estimating teams through quantity takeoff, constructability reviews, and workflow visualization
• Help project teams clearly understand site constraints, sequencing, and design intent through visual communication
• Ensure digital deliverables actively support field workflows and execution

Field Technology & Integration

• Serve as the VDC point of contact for assigned projects or scopes
• Visit jobsites regularly to validate work-in-place and improve model accuracy
• Partner with field teams to support layout, sequencing, tolerances, and installation coordination
• Deploy and support construction technology, including laser scanning, drones, AR/VR, layout tools, and reality capture systems
• Integrate field-captured data such as scans, point clouds, and photos into active project models

Project Documentation & Controls

• Ensure project models align with BIM Execution Plan (BEP) requirements
• Manage coordination logs, clash reports, meeting minutes, and VDC documentation
• Support as-built model updates and digital closeout deliverables

VDC Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Train internal teams and trade partners on VDC tools, software, and workflows
• Support the evolution of Gardner’s VDC standards, templates, and best practices
• Document lessons learned to strengthen future project outcomes
• Stay engaged in emerging construction technologies through ongoing professional development

What You’ll Bring

• 1–4 years of VDC, BIM, or related construction field experience
• Working knowledge of Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and BIM coordination tools
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and incomplete design information
• Understanding of construction sequencing, logistics planning, and commercial building methods
• Experience coordinating with trade partners and project teams
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical concepts for practical field use
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and deliver buildable solutions
• Strong organization, responsiveness, and time management skills
• Commitment to confidentiality, accountability, and continuous learning

What Will Set You Apart

• Direct field operations or jobsite experience, preferably in pipefitting, HVAC, carpentry, or ironworking
• Experience with laser scanning or advanced reality capture tools
• Exposure to estimating support, quantity takeoff, or preconstruction workflows
• Passion for improving systems, standards, and innovation across a growing VDC function

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 7-Time “Best Places to Work” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-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 Journal

Our 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 & Benefits

• Annual 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 contribution
• Ancillary Benefits:
  Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance
• Perks: 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 Process

Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug 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. 

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This is a full-time, in-person role based in Minneapolis/St Paul and the surrounding area, with most of your time spent in an office setting, collaborating with teammates and working on a computer.
• You’ll also visit active jobsites to stay connected with the work in the field.  That may include walking on uneven ground, being outdoors in changing weather, or stepping into areas with dust or noise.  You’ll also travel to client sites, conferences, and other business meetings. 
• Visual and auditory awareness is essential for safety and communication. 
• While performing these duties, you may be exposed to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and humidity, depending on the season and job site. 
• PPE is provided and required. All appropriate safety measures will be in place to ensure your well-being. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions of the role.