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Field Engineer I

Core Focus: Document Control, Contract Administration, and Project Controls Foundation

Overview

The Field Engineer I supports construction projects under the direction of a Lead Project Engineer, Construction Manager, or Resident Engineer. This role is the entry point to the engineering side of construction management — where field inspection data gets turned into contract administration: progress payments, change orders, submittals, RFIs, force accounts, and project controls.

A Field Engineer I manages project documentation, ensures compliance with contract requirements, and maintains the records that drive the financial and administrative side of the project. They work closely with inspection staff to verify quantities, review daily reports, and ensure the documentation chain is complete and accurate.

This role is about building the foundational skills for project management — document control, contract comprehension, cost tracking, and clear communication with the project team, contractors, and the owner. Field Engineer I staff are expected to develop proficiency quickly and take increasing ownership of their assigned responsibilities.

Core Competencies

• Document Control Management —Maintains organized,accurate, and accessible project records.Takesownership of the documentation system — digital and physical — so the project team can find what they need when they need it.
• Contract Document Comprehension —Understands contract plans, specifications, special provisions, and all contract requirements. Canlocaterelevant provisions and apply them to project documentation and administration tasks.
• Project Controls Foundation —Develops basicproficiencyin cost tracking, quantity verification, and schedule awareness. Understands how field data connects to pay items, progress payments, and change management.
• Change Order & Payment Processing —Executes change orders, progress payments, and force account documentation accurately. Understands the workflow from field measurement to contract payment.
• Submittal & RFI Management —Routes, tracks, andreviewssubmittals and RFIs. Ensures items move through the review process on schedule andflagsdelays.
• Communication —Communicates clearly and professionally with the project team, contractors, and the owner. Reports status, tracks action items, and follows through on commitments.
• Accountability & Growth —Takes ownership of assigned tasks and delivers on deadlines. Does what they saythey’lldo andgetsbetter at the work each week. Asks questions and applies feedback.

Representative Tasks

• Maintain organized project files in both digital and physical formats. Ensure records are accessible, current, and complete.
• Review daily inspection reports and Headlight diaries for accuracy, completeness, and proper pay item coding. Coordinate corrections with inspection staff.
• Track andmaintainproject logs — materials certification, drill logs, hauling logs, compressive strength results, and other project-specific records.
• Process force account sheets — verify field measurements, complete forms, obtain signatures, andfilein the project record.
• Prepare and process progress payment documentation. Compare reported quantities against QRSE logs and contract pay items.
• Draft change orders and support the change management process under supervision.
• Route, track, and perform basic reviews of submittals and RFIs. Ensure items progress through the review cycle and flag overdue items.
• Review contractor tax rates, insurance certificates, and subcontractor compliance documentation.
• Assistwith field inspection activities as needed — inspect construction work, conduct sampling, and document observations.
• Verify contractor workcomplies withcontract plans and specifications.Reportnon-conformances.
• Prepare independent cost estimates for small scope items when directed.
• Attend project coordination and progress meetings. Document action items and distribute meeting notes to the team.
• Coordinate with contractors, designers, and project stakeholders on submittal status, RFI responses, and documentation requirements.
• Communicate project status and documentation issues to the Field Engineer II, Construction Manager, or Lead.

Tools & Systems

• Forma —document management, submittals, RFIs, correspondence
• Headlight —daily diaries, field documentation
• HaulHub—material delivery tracking
• Microsoft 365 —reports, correspondence, schedules
• ArcGIS —lane closure and work schedule data entry, where applicable

Measurables

#

Measurable

Description

1

Document Control

Project records are organized, current, and easily accessible. Minimal oversight required. The team can find what they need without asking.

2

Contract & Field Knowledge

Understands contract requirements and can perform assigned documentation and administration tasks with minimal rework or supervision.

3

Payment & Force Account Processing

Progress payments, force account sheets, and change order documentation are accurate, complete, and processed on schedule.

4

Submittal & RFI Tracking

All submittals and RFIs tracked, routed, and progressing. Overdue items flagged. Reviews are organized and communicated to management.

5

Task Timeliness

All assigned tasks completed by deadline. Communicates early when a deadline is at risk. Does not let items sit.

6

Learning & Growth

Demonstrates knowledge improvement and eagerness to learn. Takes initiative in understanding the contract and project operations.

7

Certification Maintenance

Obtains and maintains certifications required for field and inspection duties as applicable.

8

QRSE Values

Owns their work, flags problems early instead of hiding them, and helps teammates without being asked.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or related field — OR equivalent combination of education and 3+ years of construction field experience.
• HDOT Experience
• 0–3 years of field engineering or construction experience.
• Must obtain relevant inspection and testing certifications withinfirstyear.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety certificationrequired; OSHA 30-Hour withinfirstyear.
• PE licensure track encouraged — EIT/FE exam completion preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Promotion Readiness

Advancement from Field Engineer I to Field Engineer II requires all of the following:

• Demonstratesproficiencyin core competencies and project-specific measurables with minimal supervision.
• Consistently ensures compliance with contract documentation and quality standards.
• Takes initiative in managing assigned project documentation and field tasks without being directed.
• Exhibitsstrong communicationand coordination with the project team, contractors, and the owner.
• Obtains andmaintainsall required certifications for field and inspection duties.
• Receivesrecommendationfrom Lead based ondemonstratedreadiness.

Advancement requires Lead recommendation and Executive-level approval.