Construction project engineer and construction cost estimator

THOMAS WHINIHAN

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI • 248-***-**** • ********@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

PROJECT ENGINEER with extensive experience utilizing comprehensive internal analyses, strategic negotiations, and cross-functional coordination to deliver cost savings and optimize workflows for first-rate companies. Analytical problem solver leveraging an analytical technical profile comprising CAD modeling, FMEA, GD&T, and data analytics to effectively assess military-grade vehicle systems. Collaborative team player skilled at coordinating with stakeholders at all levels, addressing areas of deficiencies and securing buy-in to implement process improvements that enhance productivity and internal visibility. AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Cost Estimating

Project Management

Organizational Leadership

Engineering Analysis

FMEA Procedures

CAD Modeling

Data Management

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Employee Training

SELECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

●Spearheaded a major process improvement as a Container Liaison at General Motors, successfully standardizing an automation for bill of container to enhance visibility and streamline touchpoints

●Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, program teams, and buyers, tracking decisions and supply changes to reduce estimated container cost for vehicle programs by 10-20% across milestone gates

●Developed a bypass system in Panama capable of transferring 120 MGD across a 600-foot mountain and through 3 miles of piping, generating $1.1 million in sales for Mersino. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

United Business Technologies – Troy, MI January 2025 – March 2025 Construction Project Engineer (Short Term Assignment)

●Reviewing design and bidding documents

●Evaluating contractor bids

●Overseeing construction progress and scheduling

●Providing technical support to construction staff under the supervision of the Project Manager

●Organizing the acquisition of materials, equipment, and workers

●Assist in the development of cost estimates

●Performing cost calculations and preparing financial projections

●Preparing work schedules in collaboration with the project manager

●Liaising between contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers. reports and maintain records of inspections and findings

THOMAS WHINIHAN ********@*****.***

Mersino Dewatering – Auburn Hills MI July 2023 – May 2024 Cost Estimating Engineer

●Analyzed blueprints and scope of work to design and estimate cost for bypass, and dewatering based upon TDH, NPSHa/r calculations

●Wrote submittals for bidding projects resulting in as much as $1.8M between labor and rental over life of the project

●Designed sewage bypass, siphon systems for dam repair, river diversion, force main diversion and to keep lift stations and water treatment plants operational during construction

●Drew systems using CAD software for submittals

●Analyze feasibility, risks, and potential benefits of implementing engineering changes.

●Bypass systems flow rates ranged from 100 gpm to 120 MGD, and distances as short as 20 feet to 5 miles long across mountain peaks

Grant Leading Technology – Washington DC (Remote: Detroit, MI) August 2021 – June 2023

Project Coordinator

●Coordinating projects for office moves and remodels for our client at the FAA, as they consolidate their federal employees, across the country.

●Continuously refine analytical approaches based on feedback and changing project requirements using SAP

●Provided regular updates and reports on project progress, milestones, and challenges 1Build - Real Mountain View, CA (Remote: Detroit, MI)January 2020- August 2021 Construction Cost Estimator

●Estimating projects at 30,60,90% design as well as for bid. Estimations cover painting, drywall, demolition, excavation, tile, millwork, structural steel, mechanical, plumbing and framing.

●Fostered open communication channels to promote transparency and build trust among team members and stakeholders.

DTE – Detroit, MI October 2018 – April 2019

Major Enterprise Projects Cost Estimator

●Forecasted cost across key functional areas—Distribution, Operations, Renewables, and Facilities—and improved estimates based on engineering drawings and blueprints at the 30–60–90% design phases to approximate associated expenses and material requirements.

●Included risk assessment and mitigation strategies to ensure project feasibility and success.

●Coordinated cross-functionally with Project Engineers and Program Managers, building a rough order of magnitude (ROM) in accordance with scope and to ensure full funding and maximum 5% return upon completion.

THOMAS WHINIHAN ********@*****.***

General Motors – Warren, MI December 2013 – August 2018 Container Cost Estimator 2015 – 2018

●Estimated production and purchase of materials for returnable shipping containers from blueprints for Class A surface parts including chassis and the full Body Shop to support vehicle programs between two and five years prior to Start of Regular Production (SORP).

●Estimated Machining and stamping rates and costs.

●Participated in VA/VE cost reduction workshops for container pricing.

●Benchmarked container designs and costs along with presenting engineering cost savings to the program team and senior management to secure approval.

Container Liaison 2013 – 2015

●Led 100+ projects across multiple vehicles to ensure containers for automotive parts were designed, developed, and delivered in support of SORP.

Automation Alley – Sterling Heights, MI April 2011 – October 2013 Manufacturing & Defense Project Engineer

●Led a team aimed at determining manufacturing feasibility of parts, creation of blueprints, and estimated costs for sheet metal and steel fabrication of prototypes, in addition to building military logistics databases to assess fleet vehicle durability.

DRS Technologies – Madison Heights, MI January 2008 – April 2011 Engineering & Analyst

●Drove continuous improvement and effectively contributed to key programs, including a data mining and analysis team producing a 31% cost savings a military failure reporting system implementation. EDUCATION

Master of Science (MSME), Mechanical Engineering: University of Michigan Bachelor of Arts (BA), Physics: Albion College

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

ProE TeamCenter SAP Macros Visual Basic for Applications Matlab C++ GD&T Microsoft Office Suite

Contact this candidate