What Is The Field Engineer Job Description?

The Ultimate Field Engineer Job Description Explained

What does a field engineer actually do? It’s a question I get asked all the time. In this blog, I’m going to walk you through the real duties and responsibilities of a field engineer so you’ll know exactly what should be in the job description.

If construction companies would go back to emphasizing proper field engineering they wouldn’t just produce a new generation of outstanding superintendents; they’d also return to builder basics. And when that happens, everything runs smoother on every single project.

If you’re ready to get back to what works, let’s dive in.

1. Layout and Survey:

Many people assume layout and survey work only applies if you self-perform. And no, you don’t have to become a surveyor but learning layout teaches your brain how to think like a builder.

Level loops, total stations, and chaining distances don’t just build technical skill they build spatial intelligence. You start thinking in X, Y, and Z coordinates and eventually, as a superintendent, you’ll think in X, Y, Z, and T (time). That’s a four-dimensional mindset every great builder needs.

2. Quality Control (QC) & Verification:

Why do we set up primary, secondary, and working control? Because they form the foundation of quality. We verify wall locations, elevation heights, embed placements, dowel projections, and column plumbness. All of this ensures precision in the field. It’s one of the field engineer’s core duties.

3. Lift Drawings & RFIs:

Lift drawings bring together key details from architectural, structural, mechanical, and shop drawings consolidating them into one coordinated plan for a specific area of work. This helps the builder:

• Understand the scope.
• Identify and fix issues early.
• Support field coordination and QC.

Without lift drawings, how would you know where embeds or sleeves go? Or how far dowels should protrude from a wall? Lift drawings are essential for field accuracy.

4. Trade Work Preparation:

Field engineers enable trade partners by providing clear layout and accurate lift drawings. This preparation ensures trades have the tools, materials, and information they need. It’s not just logistics it’s leadership.

5. Solving Field Issues:

I’ve built projects both with and without field engineers. Without them? The experience is miserable. Superintendents are overburdened with follow-ups, RFIs, and paperwork. Quality suffers. Mistakes multiply. And contingency budgets evaporate.

But with field engineers, everyone has support. Supers can focus on managing and planning work while engineers tackle RFIs, layout issues, and details. This division of labor is critical for project success.

6. Assist with Inspections:

Even if you don’t self-perform, you still need field engineers for:

• Concrete pre-placement inspections.
• In-wall and overhead inspections.
• Punch lists and commissioning.
• Field QC checks.

They should be side-by-side with supers during these inspections, reinforcing quality and catching errors before they escalate.

7. Pre-construction Planning:

At companies like Hensel Phelps, field engineers are on site before the job starts. They help set primary control, develop lift drawing templates, and prepare scopes for the trades. Their involvement in pre-construction sets the tone for the entire project.

8. Material Tracking & Placement:

Getting materials delivered is one thing. Getting them to the right place is another. Field engineers assist with tracking deliveries, coordinating locations, and minimizing re-handling. They’re key to logistical success.

9. Safety & Observations:

While not as experienced as supers, field engineers are the front-line safety presence. They help perform safety observations, inspect conditions, and flag issues. I personally learned more about safety in my time as a field engineer than anywhere else.

10. Documentation & Reporting:

Yes, field engineers also handle daily reports, documentation, and logs. Whether handwritten or digital, this communication is vital. And as a petty side note please use block letters in all caps. Legibility matters!

Conclusion: Field Engineers Are Builders in Training

These ten responsibilities define the field engineer job description. If you want your construction team to perform at its highest level, field engineers must be properly trained and empowered.