Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: 2 weeks notice
Open To Work
Brenden Wabnitz
Arvada,CO
Work Preference
Summary
Engineer with 8 years of experience supporting complex engineering programs from planning through execution, including project scheduling, cost modeling, risk analysis, and technical reporting. Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional engineering teams, analyze operational data, and develop tools that improve project planning and execution. Experienced in managing engineering deliverables, developing project status reports, and supporting large-scale infrastructure programs. Skilled in systems thinking, technical problem solving, and data-driven decision making.
Professional engineer prepared for this role. Expertise in problem-solving, system optimization, and project management. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Reliable and adaptable with skills in CAD, process improvement, and technical analysis. Known for effective communication and innovative solutions.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Estimate Engineer
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
Houston
01.2021 - Current
- Prepared and led development of 100+ production estimates and bid packages for large-scale dredging, coastal restoration, and waterway infrastructure projects, contributing to a 47% bid win rate in competitive procurements.
- Developed cost models, production schedules, and execution strategies for complex marine construction projects by coordinating with engineering, operations, and project management teams to align equipment, labor, and logistics planning.
- Designed and implemented advanced production modeling tools and engineering analysis workflows to improve cost forecasting accuracy and project planning efficiency.
- Created a PowerBI equipment intelligence platform integrating a searchable database of 30+ dredging assets, enabling rapid equipment selection, utilization analysis, and bid planning.
- Built an interactive PowerBI dashboard and analytics system allowing estimators and leadership to quickly evaluate project assumptions, production rates, and cost drivers across multiple bids.
- Developed a custom Excel-based estimating database used for historical data mining, improving benchmarking of production rates, equipment performance, and cost estimates.
- Introduced innovative modifications to internal estimating software, improving production modeling accuracy and strengthening reliability of bid pricing and operational forecasting.
- Analyzed operational performance data to develop production KPIs and benchmarking metrics used to optimize equipment deployment and improve engineering decision-making across estimating efforts.
- Delivered technical briefings and project risk assessments to senior leadership summarizing scope, cost drivers, execution risks, and competitive positioning for major bids.
Assistant Project Engineer
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
Houston
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Supported execution of large-scale marine construction and dredging projects exceeding $100M in value, coordinating engineering, survey, and operations teams to ensure technical deliverables met contract specifications and project schedules.
- Supervised and coordinated work assignments for 16 field and project engineers, establishing task priorities, scheduling responsibilities, and monitoring progress to support project execution.
- Managed engineering support for a major dredging fleet consisting of 3 dredges, 8 tugboats, 1 derrick barge, and 10 material scows, ensuring operational readiness and alignment with project production targets.
- Oversaw installation, calibration, and operation of hydrographic positioning and monitoring systems, enabling accurate survey data collection and real-time production tracking.
- Developed engineering layouts and operational placement plans to optimize dredged material placement and support efficient field operations.
- Designed and implemented a custom equipment tracking software tool to monitor dredging asset availability and specifications, improving coordination between engineering, estimating, and operations teams.
- Managed engineering documentation, submittals, and compliance reporting in accordance with QA/QC requirements and contractual obligations.
- Mentored junior engineers and supported technical problem-solving across project teams to maintain schedule performance and operational efficiency.
Site Engineer
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
Houston
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Executed hydrographic and topographic surveys to support dredging operations, validating engineering data used for production monitoring, operational planning, and project design verification.
- Performed daily QA/QC calibration and validation of hydrographic positioning systems and instrumentation, ensuring accurate survey data for engineering analysis and regulatory compliance.
- Generated up to two technical reports daily, including production and survey reports summarizing dredging progress, operational metrics, and engineering data for project leadership.
- Collected and analyzed operational data from dredging equipment to monitor production rates, project performance, and system accuracy.
- Independently conducted engineering performance analyses of dredging equipment and operational workflows, identifying inefficiencies and providing recommendations to management that supported improved operational decision-making on future projects.
- Supported field engineering teams in troubleshooting technical systems, survey equipment, and positioning technologies to maintain continuous project operations.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY01-2024
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY01-2017
Associate of Applied Science - Engineering & Physics
Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY01-2015
Skills
- Project planning and schedule development
- Cost modeling and budget forecasting
- Risk identification and mitigation
- MATLAB
- Power BI
- AutoCAD
Timeline
Production Estimate Engineer
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Project Engineer
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
01.2020 - 01.2021
Site Engineer
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
01.2018 - 01.2020
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
University At Buffalo
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University At Buffalo
Associate of Applied Science - Engineering & Physics
Monroe Community College
Additional Qualifications
- U.S. Citizen – Eligible for Secret Security Clearance
- Experience supporting large-scale engineering programs and multidisciplinary teams
- Advanced data analysis and technical modeling capabilities