Field Engineering Job Overview
"The key responsibilities in my 18 months of Office Engineering experience have been focused heavily on the cost analysis point of view. Every week, I prepare the Labor Distribution Report and analyze the results with the Field Engineers and Superintendents to determine their production and the areas where improvements could be made. I’m also responsible for reviewing trend charts, producing cost projections and assisting the Project Engineer with projected final costs."-D.R.
Learning the Field
As a Field Engineer, you support the field operations working directly with the construction crews to “build work at the lowest cost.” You also perform the necessary office duties to prepare for the work in areas such as:
- Piping
- Electrical
- Mechanical Equipment
- Instrumentation
- Civil/Structural
In any of these areas, you will learn to build work, using an operation planning process and follow-through with the execution of the plan.
Who’s the Boss?
Field Engineers generally report to a Field Superintendent and indirectly report to the Project Engineer. Each job may be set up somewhat differently, but the end goal is the same... Get the job done right and at the lowest cost.
Fundamentals:
- Implement Safety and Quality Programs
- Ensure Company policies and programs are followed
- Develop strong organization and time management skills
- Know contract, codes, specifications and standards
- Maintain proper document control
- Material procurement
- Material receiving and verification
- Quality Control
- Understand and track daily costs
- Quantity claiming
- Evaluate commodity curves
- Communicate with and support field crews
- Cost report and Labor Distribution Report management
- Subcontract & Supplier Management
- Time studies/Method Analysis
- Compose Request for Information (RFI)
- Identify and document change orders
- Develop and monitor four-week and 90-day schedules
- Execute daily plans
- Monitor and plan use of equipment
- Use lessons learned
- Implement effective equipment care and maintenance programs
- Interact with owner representatives and inspectors
- Sign off work as you go
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