Field Engineer

Company Overview

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Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

The Field Engineer will serve as the on-site technical representative during construction of a large, complex water treatment facility in central New Jersey. Working closely with the resident engineering team, design professionals, contractors, owner representatives, and other project stakeholders, the Field Engineer will help confirm that construction is performed in accordance with the contract documents, approved submittals, applicable codes, safety requirements, and project quality standards. This position is expected to be based in the field full time for up to three years.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full-time field engineering support throughout construction, testing, startup, and closeout activities.
• Observe construction activities and document progress, workmanship, staffing, equipment, site conditions, and compliance with the contract documents.
• Review drawings, specifications, approved submittals, requests for information, field changes, and other project documentation to support field decisions.
• Coordinate with contractors, inspectors, design staff, owner representatives, vendors, and specialty consultants to identify and resolve field issues promptly.
• Prepare clear, accurate daily reports, field notes, photographs, quantity records, deficiency logs, and other construction documentation.
• Assist with review of contractor submittals, shop drawings, schedules, change proposals, payment quantities, and record drawings, as assigned.
• Track open items, nonconforming work, punch-list items, and corrective actions through resolution.
• Support interpretation of civil, structural, mechanical, process, electrical, instrumentation, and controls requirements, coordinating with the appropriate discipline leads when needed.
• Participate in progress meetings, coordination meetings, site walks, inspections, testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Promote compliance with site-specific health and safety requirements and promptly communicate observed concerns through established project procedures.
• Maintain professional working relationships and communicate technical information clearly to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Perform other project-related duties consistent with the field engineering role.

Preferred Experience

• Construction-phase experience on large municipal or industrial water treatment facilities.
• Familiarity with treatment process equipment, piping, pumping systems, concrete structures, site civil work, electrical systems, instrumentation, and controls.
• Experience with submittal and RFI workflows, change management, schedule review, quantity verification, testing, commissioning, and project closeout.
• Engineer-in-Training certification or Professional Engineer licensure.

Work Assignment

This is a site-based position requiring a consistent, full-time presence at the construction site in central New Jersey. The anticipated field assignment is up to three years and may include extended workdays, early starts, occasional evenings or weekends, and schedule adjustments based on construction activities, shutdowns, testing, or startup needs.

Skills & Abilities

• Solid knowledge of engineer principles of design.
• Strong knowledge of engineering drawings, specifications, construction methods, and field documentation practices.
• Ability to recognize discrepancies, evaluate field conditions, and coordinate practical solutions without compromising design intent or quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and construction document management or collaboration platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, and work independently in an active construction environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to safety, quality, and client service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of relevant engineering, construction, inspection, or field experience; experience on water or wastewater infrastructure projects is strongly preferred.
• Ability and willingness to work full time at the project site in central New Jersey for up to three years.
• Ability to work outdoors and in active construction areas, including exposure to varying weather, noise, dust, uneven terrain, ladders, and stairs.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with project-specific safety and site-access requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to the project site.

Amount of Travel Required

100%
Driving Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.
EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available

No - We are not open to sponsoring for this position
Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Pay Range Max

USD $129,771.00
Pay Range Min

USD $78,624.00