How To Become A Field Engineer

How to Become a Field Engineer: A Proven Pathway

Becoming a field engineer isn’t just a job title it’s a gateway to an incredible career in construction. In this blog, I’m going to share how I became a field engineer, what I learned along the way, and how you can do it too.

My Journey into Field Engineering:

I started young, 13 and a half, working concrete jobs in Southern California. Eventually, I joined Hensel Phelps through a connection my dad had and became a cement mason. When a shoulder injury sidelined me from physical work, I was given a chance to assist the field engineering crews. That’s where I discovered my passion.

I went all-in: bought a computer, learned AutoCAD on my own, and taught myself how to create lift drawings. That hustle paid off. I moved up to field engineer, then lead field engineer, and eventually created the field engineering training program still used at Hensel Phelps.

But I’ll be honest, I hit a wall. I started failing in my lead role until I revisited the fundamentals. I studied Construction Surveying and Layout by Wesley Crawford eight times. That foundation turned everything around.

The Best Way to Get In:

Want to become a field engineer? Here are a few solid entry points:

• College education (not always required, but helps).
• Internships (even short ones open doors).
• Craft roles like laborer, carpenter, or cement finisher.

Once you’re in, start learning and practicing layout tools: total stations, levels, robotic instruments, GPS, and especially lift drawings. This hands-on experience is crucial.

Recommended Resources:

I strongly recommend studying the first eight chapters of the Field Engineering Methods Manual (Version 3). If you’re using Version 4 (coming soon), focus on the first book. You’ll learn essential principles like:

• Three-wire leveling.
• Direct and reverse shots.
• Chaining distances.
• Running traverses and level loops.

And if you want to go further, begin mastering software like Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Tekla, or SketchUp for lift drawings. Being able to draw what you plan to build is a game changer.

Connect With the Craft:

The best field engineers build trust and relationships with the craft. Get in the trenches. Ask questions. Learn from foremen and tradespeople. This connection will make you a better engineer and a better builder.

Practice Until It’s Second Nature:

Once you’ve got the fundamentals, keep pushing:

• Practice grid and profile leveling.
• Learn to close loops and perform trigonometric leveling.
• Memorize key layout steps and apply them in the field.

The goal? Become an applied field engineer, someone who knows the full process from establishing primary control all the way to layout and QC.

Key Takeaway:

You don’t just learn field engineering, you live it. Get in, study hard, connect with the people doing the work, and keep practicing. The fundamentals will set you apart.