Preconstruction & Procurement Specialist

About LightSpeed

LightSpeed Build Technologies is revolutionizing the construction industry through AI-powered robotics. Our flagship systems-BRUTE for automated wall panel manufacturing and DEX for on-site collaborative construction-are addressing the global housing crisis by delivering unprecedented speed, precision, and affordability in homebuilding.

Lightspeed Build Technologies · Full-time · Onsite in Northbrook, IL

Position Overview

Customers and partners come to us for a real price, not a ballpark. As our Preconstruction & Procurement Specialist, you will turn our design team's takeoffs and initial estimates into complete bid packages, run bids with the subcontractors and suppliers behind the work we do not self-perform, and buy out each project once it is approved.

You will build and manage our subcontractor and supplier network, own the final number we stand behind, and turn each project's lessons into a pricing and purchasing process the whole team can rely on. This role brings real construction experience to a team that pairs it with robotics.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Packages & Pricing

• Build complete bid packages from plan sets, Revit takeoffs and initial estimates, with clear scope, assumptions and exclusions by trade

• Apply our robotic-construction cost model to show what a home costs to build our way versus traditionally, including the on-site work that remains

• Turn bids into customer-ready proposals, and join pricing reviews with prospects and partners as the construction cost expert

• Track estimate versus actual on every job and feed what you learn back into our cost data

Subcontractor & Supplier Network

• Build and maintain our network of subcontractors and suppliers: foundations, MEP, roofing, finishes and site work

• Solicit, level and compare bids, and recommend awards based on price, scope and reliability

• Negotiate pricing and terms, and prepare subcontract and purchase agreements for approval

Procurement & Buyout

• Buy out approved projects: lock in material pricing and lead times, and issue purchase orders

• Help set up our purchase order, receiving and vendor tracking process as we move into repeat production

• Coordinate delivery timing with our Production & Delivery Manager so materials arrive when the factory and job site need them

• Manage change orders and their cost impact with customers and subcontractors

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years in residential construction estimating, preconstruction, purchasing or bid management, working with real project costs: materials, labor and regional variation

• Experience running bid packages and working with subcontractors and suppliers

• Comfort reading plan sets and working from takeoffs; you can spot a scope gap before it becomes a change order

• Strong Excel skills and experience with estimating or takeoff tools (for example Bluebeam, RSMeans, Procore)

• Clear communicator who can explain a number to a customer and stand behind it

• Able to work on-site in Northbrook, IL and travel to job sites as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in construction management, engineering or a related field

• Prefab, panelized or modular construction experience

• An existing Chicago-area subcontractor and supplier network

• Multi-family or affordable housing experience

• Experience setting up purchasing or PO processes at a growing company

• Familiarity with Revit or model-based takeoffs

How We Hire

A short intro call, a practical pricing exercise from a sample plan set, then conversations with our engineering and operations leads.

Why Join LightSpeed

• Help build the preconstruction process at a company changing how homes get built

• Work alongside robotics engineers and see your bids turn into homes built in our factory

• Real ownership of the numbers from day one

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

Employment Relationship

This position is at-will, meaning either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Equal Opportunity

LightSpeed Build Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.