Director of Field Engineers

Job Description

Role Description The Director of Field Engineering is responsible for leading and developing the Field Engineering function while ensuring the successful planning and execution of line and grade, layout, surveying, and technical documentation activities across multiple projects. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership for the Field Engineering team while maintaining the technical expertise necessary to support project execution. The Director of Field Engineering serves as the bridge between field operations, project teams, and company leadership by establishing standards, developing processes, assigning resources, and ensuring all projects receive accurate surveying, layout, and documentation support. By supplying critical data for planning decisions, overseeing field engineering operations, validating dimensions before construction, and developing high-performing field engineering teams, the Director of Field Engineering enables project teams to build with confidence.

Key Responsibilities Field Engineering Leadership: Lead, mentor, evaluate, and develop a team of Field Engineers while establishing performance expectations, training programs, and career development opportunities. Operational Planning & Resource Management: Assign Field Engineers to projects, prioritize workload, and ensure proper coverage across active and upcoming projects. Survey & Layout Oversight: Oversee surveying, layout, line and grade, and control activities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company standards. Technical Documentation Management: Ensure accurate maintenance of layout records, as-builts, survey files, and project documentation. Project Planning Integration: Partner with Project Coordinators, Project Managers, and Operations Leadership to proactively prepare for upcoming work by securing required CAD files, project information, and surveying requirements. Quality & Process Development: Establish and continuously improve field engineering processes, standards, equipment management programs, and training initiatives.

Tasks & Duties Team Leadership & Operations Lead and manage a team of Field Engineers across multiple active projects. Assign projects and workloads based on project requirements, schedules, and team capabilities. Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development. Identify hiring needs and assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training Field Engineers. Establish best practices, standard operating procedures, and quality expectations for the Field Engineering team. Partner with Operations, Project Managers, and Project Coordinators to ensure projects are properly staffed and prepared before mobilization. Line and Grade Oversee the establishment and maintenance of permanent control and line and grade on projects. Review surveying and layout plans to ensure alignment with contract documents, schedules, and project requirements. Validate dimensions and critical project information prior to field execution. Support Field Engineers with complex surveying, layout, and control challenges. Ensure all projects maintain consistent surveying and layout standards. Control and Grid Management Oversee verification of permanent and temporary control points provided by surveyors, owners, and general contractors. Ensure project control networks and grid systems are established, documented, and maintained accurately. Maintain standards for control verification, data collection, and documentation. Support troubleshooting and resolution of control-related discrepancies. Layout Oversight Provide technical guidance on layout execution and surveying methodologies. Ensure layout activities align with project schedules, sequencing plans, and client requirements. Review complex layouts and critical dimensions prior to major project milestones. Promote consistency in surveying practices across all projects. Technical Documentation Ensure complete and accurate maintenance of layout logs, coordinate geometry files, survey data, and project records. Oversee creation and distribution of as-built documentation. Verify project documentation is captured and returned to Project Coordinators and project teams in a timely manner. Monitor project documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance. Equipment Management & Calibration Maintain accountability for all surveying and layout equipment, including Trimble GPS systems, total stations, lasers, and data collectors. Develop and manage equipment tracking, maintenance, and calibration programs. Ensure equipment is properly calibrated, documented, and available for project use. Establish standards for equipment handling, storage, and maintenance. Plan Reading and Interpretation Provide technical leadership regarding contract documents, surveying requirements, and dimensional control. Review plans and project information to identify potential issues before field execution. Support resolution of drawing discrepancies, RFIs, and design clarifications. Assist project teams in interpreting structural and architectural drawings. Coordination and Communication Work closely with Project Coordinators, Project Managers, and Operations Leadership to prepare for upcoming projects. Manage the collection and distribution of CAD files, survey information, and project controls data. Conduct field visits to active projects to verify quality, support Field Engineers, and ensure compliance with company standards. Travel periodically to project sites as needed to support field operations and project teams. Serve as the primary leader and technical resource for all Field Engineering activities.

Skills and Requirements

5-10+ years of field engineering, surveying, construction layout, or geomatics experience. 1-3+ years of direct people leadership experience. Experience managing multiple crews, projects, or field engineering teams simultaneously. Strong experience with Trimble equipment, GPS systems, total stations, and construction surveying technologies. Experience creating, building, or improving surveying/layout programs, standards, or operating procedures. Ability to lead both technical field operations and personnel development. Background working closely with Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Superintendents, and Operations teams. Experience within heavy civil, concrete, commercial construction, site development, or similar construction environments preferred.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].