What’s it Like to Launch Your Career as a Project Engineer?
What’s it like to launch your career as a Project Engineer? A M King Vice President JD Boone, who began his career at A M King 15 years ago as a Project Engineer himself, shares firsthand advice, insights and the opportunities young professionals can expect.
What are some high-level tasks new Project Engineers are responsible for?
New Project Engineers quickly gain hands-on experience through submittal reviews, RFIs, and subcontractor coordination. They also assume some financial responsibilities, engage directly with clients, and learn from colleagues, subcontractors, and owners from diverse backgrounds.
How can young professionals build their knowledge and grow within the company?
At A M King, we empower young professionals by giving them responsibility early on and allowing them to take ownership of their work, all while receiving guidance from experienced team members. We invest heavily in training and professional development because it’s part of our culture and ensures our people are prepared to take on greater challenges.
As employees demonstrate their capabilities, their growth is closely tied to the opportunities available, which allows them to expand their careers and make a lasting impact here at A M King.
What is a benefit of working at a fully integrated Design-Build firm?
One benefit is having access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise all within the same team. At A M King, you’ll work alongside architectural designers and construction professionals who have been delivering successful projects for more than 20 years. You’ll receive guidance, collaboration, and feedback to help you grow and ensure every project is the best it can be.
What is your best advice for young professionals entering the workforce?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; that’s the only way we learn. That little piece of advice has carried me through my career. Ask questions and ask a lot of them, and it will serve you well.
About JD Boone
JD Boone, who was promoted to Vice President at A M King in January 2025, oversees design and construction teams for large, complex projects nationwide, specializing in food processing, food distribution, and corporate markets.
Notable accomplishments include completion of 310,000-sf bakery renovation project for U.S. Waffle Co. and a greenfield produce facility for Mexico-based GAB Operations. Most recently, he has been managing the largest corporate renovation project for ALDI US in company history, which will bring the total office square footage in Batavia, IL to approximately 250,000 sf.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and Industrial Technologies from East Carolina University.
A M King is an integrated Design-Build firm based in Charlotte, NC with offices in Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL. An employee-owned company, A M King consistently and successfully delivers quality projects throughout the United States.
