Purdue Bowen Laboratory (West Lafayette, IN)
Research and Educational Facility in West Lafayette, Indiana
The Bowen Civil Engineering Laboratory at Purdue University is a cutting-edge facility designed and built by Force Construction to support advanced research in large-scale civil engineering. Situated on a 14.71-acre site in West Lafayette, Indiana, this 66,665 square foot facility serves as a premier research space for testing and analyzing full-scale structures and materials.
The laboratory's strong floor, measuring 83 feet by 146 feet, and strong wall, which stands 40 feet tall in an "L" configuration, are engineered to handle up to one million pounds of force with minimal deflection (0.1 inches), making it capable of supporting rigorous structural testing. The facility’s clear interior height of 53 feet allows for the construction of test specimens as large as four stories, and two 30-metric ton overhead cranes with a 45-foot hook height assist in the placement and construction of these large-scale specimens.
Beyond the structural testing capabilities, the Bowen Laboratory offers a diverse range of research and support spaces. The ground floor features a 27,352 square foot large-scale testing area, along with specialized areas for durability and small-scale testing, infrastructure materials analysis, and a wood/metal shop. The facility also includes a Teleparticipation Data Acquisition Center, allowing researchers to capture and analyze data in real time, with full fiber-optic and wireless connectivity throughout the building.
Designed with functionality and sustainability in mind, the Bowen Laboratory is equipped with high-efficiency heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and is supported by a wet-type fire sprinkler system. The building’s exterior features insulated precast concrete panels and an aluminum-framed glass curtain wall, combining durability with a modern aesthetic.
As the result of global benchmarking of research facilities, the Bowen Laboratory is one of the most advanced large-scale civil engineering research centers at any university in the United States. Force Construction’s involvement in the design and construction of this facility reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, highly specialized spaces that advance the boundaries of research and engineering.
THE LATEST NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS
Project Manager, Building Division About the Role We are seeking 1–2 experienced Project Managers to join our Building Division. This role is ideal for someone who can step in immediately, take ownership of projects, and lead them from preconstruction through closeout. We have a strong backlog of commercial construction projects and are looking for professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. What You’ll Do Manage commercial construction projects from start to finish Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets Lead communication with owners, architects, and subcontractors Oversee subcontractor performance and project execution Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget Collaborate closely with field leadership and internal teams What We’re Looking For 5+ years of Project Management experience in commercial construction Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Strong knowledge of construction processes, contracts, and scheduling Ability to lead and communicate effectively with diverse teams Self-starter who can “hit the ground running” Why Join Us Strong project pipeline and company stability Team-oriented culture with experienced field and leadership support Competitive compensation and benefits Opportunity to make an immediate impact Compensation will be commensurate with the market. How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Assistant Project Manager - Building Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Assistant Project Manager, Building Division, is responsible for assisting the Project Manager in analyzing blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for products, projects, or services and/or ensuring project quality, schedule, cost control, safety and customer satisfaction are met for duration of assigned project. ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Entry-level knowledge of construction methods and materials, costing, scheduling, and estimating. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software. Professional demeanor and appearance. Working knowledge of construction sequences and field operations. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics. Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint. Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers. Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information. JOB RESPONSIBILITES Assist the Project Manager in managing all administrative and technical project requirements including document management, bid submittals, RFI’s, contract administration, permits, change order processing, scheduling, purchasing, project budgets, cost coding and resource allocation, and project close-out documentation (As-Built Drawings, O&M Manuals, Warranties, etc.) Prepare estimates by performing quantity take-offs and determine scopes of work. Investigate and suggest value engineering and cost-savings options. Assist Marketing as requested by participating in Pre-Bid and Bid Review meetings with owners or owner’s representatives. Participate in presentations to clients, if requested. Establish and maintain a positive relationship with owners, customer personnel, subcontractors, vendors, etc. Attend regularly scheduled project progress meetings. Work with Project Manager and Superintendent to update the project schedule, assist with conflict resolution, and modify the construction schedule or documents as required. Other duties, as required. Direct Report VP, Building Division Educational Requirements A 2-year degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management. Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Salary, Exempt How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Project Estimator - Civil Division Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Project Estimator, Civil Division, is responsible for the timely response to requests for bids on civil projects, including heavy-highway, DOT or Department of Public Works projects. Must be able to review plan quantities, independently complete quantity take-offs, source suppliers and subcontractors, meet DBE/MBE/WBE requirements, build preliminary schedules, strategize on construction means and methods, suggest equipment selection in the pursuit of both plans and specification and design-build project pursuits. Essential Job Skills & Qualifications Previous managerial and supervisory experience in the construction industry. Demonstrate good computer skills. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software is preferred. Professional demeanor and appearance Advanced knowledge of heavy-highway construction methods and materials, costing, scheduling, and estimating. Working, practiced knowledge of heavy-highway construction management, construction sequencing and field conditions. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Strong, self-motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information Job Responsibilities Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work, required contents, and time constraints of the project to be estimated. If necessary, investigate the site before bid, identifying items necessary for the bid, including waste area, borrow pits, dump sites, etc. Maintain a multiple-accessed, current database of diverse range of suppliers and subcontractors for various construction-related processes. Oversee, request, and review the entire process of receiving bids from subcontractors and suppliers. Carefully review terms and conditions of subcontractor and supplier quotes. Use estimating software program to prepare accurate, timely, and professional estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work. Work with Company management personnel to develop risk assessment and pricing/profit strategies for bids. Maintain files of back-up documentation for estimated projects, including current/accurate pricing from suppliers and subcontractors. Assist Marketing and participate in Pre-Bid and Bid Review meetings with owners or owner’s representatives, as required. Assist in conforming to safety, EEO, insurance, and labor relations requirements. Partner with Health, Safety and Environmental personnel to ensure projects follow safe working conditions and practices. Support the achievement of EEO goals. Other duties, as required. Educational Requirements 4-year Engineering or Construction Management degree Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com