Torchora
Back to Home

construction field engineer

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Construction Field Engineer
salary: $ - $
categories: [Construction, Engineering, Field Operations, Civil]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a Construction Field Engineer.
Comprehensive, recruiter-style summary of the Construction Field Engineer role:
site engineering and field construction oversight responsibilities, required technical and soft skills,

🎯 Role Definition

The Construction Field Engineer is the frontline technical leader on construction sites responsible for translating construction drawings and specifications into built work. This role combines site layout/stakeout, inspection, quality assurance, safety enforcement, contract administration (RFIs, submittals, change orders), and coordination with contractors, consultants, and clients. The Field Engineer ensures work is constructed to plan, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with codes, project specifications, and quality/safety standards. Ideal candidates have a civil/construction engineering background, strong technical writing and documentation skills, hands-on field experience with surveying and layout, and fluency with construction management platforms (Procore, Autodesk, MS Project, BIM).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Construction Technician / Field Technician
  • Site Inspector / Quality Control Inspector
  • Junior Engineer / Project Engineer I

Advancement To:

  • Senior Field Engineer / Lead Field Engineer
  • Project Engineer / Construction Manager
  • Project Manager / Resident Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control Manager
  • Scheduling Planner / CPM Scheduler
  • Estimator / Preconstruction Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret construction drawings, civil/structural/MEP plans and specifications, perform constructability reviews, and provide written clarifications to mitigate risk and avoid rework on site.
  • Perform site layout, stakeout, setting of control points, and survey verification using total stations, GPS equipment, and laser levels to ensure accurate location of foundations, utilities, grading, and critical infrastructure.
  • Prepare, review and manage Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and material data; track approval status and enforce submittal compliance to specifications and shop drawings.
  • Produce comprehensive daily field reports, progress logs, site diaries, and photographic documentation documenting construction activities, manpower, equipment usage, weather, and non-conformance events.
  • Coordinate and supervise subcontractor and craft work, issue and track work directives, ensure subcontractor adherence to project schedules, quality plans, and safety procedures.
  • Conduct routine Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) inspections including concrete placement, reinforcement, formwork, welding, coatings, and materials testing; document deficiencies and manage corrective action plans.
  • Monitor project schedule performance (MS Project, Primavera) and collaborate with the PM/scheduler to prepare look-ahead schedules, recovery plans, and weekly progress updates tied to field reality.
  • Manage field changes and change order documentation by compiling cost/time impacts, preparing field change proposals, and supporting the project team through negotiations and client approvals.
  • Coordinate utility locating, coordination with public agencies, and interface with site surveyors and geotechnical engineers to validate subsurface conditions and implement design clarifications.
  • Enforce site safety programs, facilitate toolbox talks, assist Safety Officer with incident investigations, and ensure compliance with OSHA, local regulations, and client safety requirements.
  • Oversee testing and commissioning activities for mechanical, electrical, and civil systems, coordinate with commissioning agents and vendors, and maintain test records and functional checklists.
  • Maintain as-built documentation and field markups for integration into BIM/Autodesk models and final record drawings; update 3D models and provide field data for coordination.
  • Establish and maintain project-level document control using Procore (or equivalent), ensuring RFIs, submittals, drawings, permits, and inspection records are current and accessible to stakeholders.
  • Inspect and accept delivered materials and equipment, reconcile delivery logs with purchase orders, and coordinate storage, protection, and handling of critical materials on site.
  • Support cost-control activities by tracking field labor and equipment hours, verifying subcontractor invoices, documenting productivity metrics, and assisting in monthly earned value reporting.
  • Manage punch lists, closeout activities, and handover documentation including O&M manuals, warranties, spare parts lists, and final inspection sign-offs to achieve timely project completion.
  • Implement environmental protection measures, erosion and sediment control, erosion prevention, and monitor compliance with stormwater permits and site SWPPP requirements.
  • Provide technical direction during high-risk activities such as shoring, excavation support, cofferdam installation, large concrete pours and heavy lifting operations; coordinate lifting plans with rigging contractors.
  • Liaise with owners, architects, design engineers, and third-party inspectors to resolve field issues, attend progress meetings, and present technical updates and field-based mitigation strategies.
  • Conduct material verification and field testing coordination (soil compaction, concrete cylinders, asphalt density), interpret test reports, and implement corrective actions when testing fails to meet project requirements.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate site cost and progress documentation required for claims, adjudication, or dispute resolution support; collect evidence, photos, and timelines to substantiate change claims.
  • Mentor junior field staff, provide on-the-job training for survey/layout techniques, QA/QC inspection practices, and promote continuous improvement of field processes.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist preconstruction and estimating teams with site visits, constructability input, and preparation of bid clarifications.
  • Support permitting activities by preparing permit application packages, attending agency meetings, and coordinating inspections with regulatory authorities.
  • Assist in the procurement process by generating technical scopes for requisitions, evaluating vendor submittals, and coordinating vendor field activities.
  • Maintain spare parts inventory lists, equipment logs, and coordinate equipment mobilization/demobilization with logistics teams.
  • Collect and deliver as-built data and field measurements for integrated BIM updates and provide input to the project’s digital twin where applicable.
  • Facilitate coordination with facility operations for shutdowns, tie-ins, and phased turnovers to minimize operational disruptions.
  • Participate in site commissioning and warranty support for a defined post-construction period, responding to client warranty work requests and coordinating corrective actions.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by documenting lessons learned, proposing process updates, and participating in post-project reviews.
  • Prepare and submit routine compliance reports required by owners or regulatory bodies (daily QC logs, safety metrics, environmental monitoring).
  • Represent the project during client walkthroughs, third-party audits, and external inspections and prepare follow-up remediation plans.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient reading and interpreting civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
  • Site layout and stakeout expertise using total station, GPS surveying equipment, laser levels, and field measurement tools.
  • Strong experience with construction management software: Procore, Aconex, Viewpoint, or equivalent for RFIs, submittals, and document control.
  • Working knowledge of BIM workflows and Autodesk tools (Revit, Navisworks) to coordinate field changes and as-built modeling.
  • Familiar with MS Project / Primavera P6 for schedule monitoring and developing look-ahead schedules and baseline updates.
  • Experience managing RFIs, submittals, change orders, contract administration, and claims documentation.
  • Competence in quality control testing protocols and interpreting third-party laboratory reports (concrete, soils, asphalt, weld testing).
  • Construction staging, temporary works, shoring, cofferdam, and heavy rigging coordination experience.
  • Familiarity with safety regulations (OSHA/NEC/local codes), environmental permit compliance, and administering jobsite safety programs.
  • Basic cost-control skills: field cost tracking, productivity measurement, support for monthly pay applications and earned value reporting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel for tracking logs, formulas, pivot tables; Word; Outlook) and digital photo documentation practices.
  • Experience with field commissioning procedures, punch list management, and project closeout documentation preparation.

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication; ability to produce clear daily reports, technical memos, and client-facing updates.
  • Analytical problem-solving and decision-making under pressure with a pragmatic, safety-first mindset.
  • Leadership and supervisory skills for directing subcontractors and coordinating multidisciplinary field teams.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for document control, inspection checklists, and compliance monitoring.
  • Collaborative approach to stakeholder management, able to liaise with owners, designers, regulators, and vendors.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to manage competing field tasks and critical-path activities.
  • Adaptability and resilience to operate in variable site conditions, changing schedules, and complex field constraints.
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to handle subcontractor disputes and coordinate change order impacts.
  • Coaching and mentoring mindset to develop junior engineers and field technicians.
  • Customer-service orientation with the ability to represent the company professionally on-site and in meetings.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree plus certifications (OSHA 30, CCM, PMP) or Associate degree with extensive field experience.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or NICET certification preferred for certain infrastructure roles.
  • Advanced coursework or MS in Construction Management or Civil Engineering is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Structural Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3–7 years of progressive field experience in construction engineering, heavy civil, commercial building, or infrastructure projects.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of direct field engineering experience on medium-to-large construction projects (roadways, utilities, buildings, industrial).
  • Proven experience with contract administration, RFIs, submittals, change management, and Procore/Aconex workflows.
  • Experience supervising subcontractors and coordinating multi-disciplinary crews, field inspections, and third-party testing.
  • Prior exposure to BIM coordination, commissioning, and large concrete placement or heavy civil operations is highly desirable.
Explore More Careers