Junior Field Engineer 1

Job Description

Job Description

Kiefner and Associates, Inc. is seeking a motivated and technically curious Junior Field Engineer to support engineering, inspection, materials testing, and operational activities across Kiefner and its affiliated businesses within the Aegeus Group. This position is designed for an early-career engineering professional seeking practical experience in engineering consulting, materials science, nondestructive examination (NDE), asset integrity, and industrial field operations. The Junior Field Engineer will provide cost-effective engineering and technical support to Kiefner's internal and external clients, including affiliated nondestructive examination businesses Aegeus Inspection Solutions, Inc. (non-union) and Jan-X Ray Services, Inc. (union). The successful candidate will work closely with experienced professional engineers, materials specialists, NDE personnel, and operational leadership to develop the technical knowledge necessary to bridge traditional engineering services and field inspection operations. An important component of this position is the identification, development, and implementation of opportunities to integrate Kiefner's engineering expertise into existing and emerging NDE service offerings.

This is a full-time position, entry level, with benefits, PTO and a matching 401K program! 

Responsibilities & Duties 

• Provide field engineering and technical support to Kiefner, Aegeus Inspection Solutions, Inc., Jan-X Ray Services, Inc., and external clients.
• Travel to industrial facilities, pipeline systems, construction projects, manufacturing facilities, and other client locations to support engineering and inspection assignments.
• Assist with field investigations, condition assessments, dimensional measurements, equipment evaluations, material examinations, and engineering data collection.
• Support the preparation and interpretation of technical field reports, inspection documentation, testing records, and engineering recommendations.
• Assist professional engineers in evaluating field conditions, identifying potential defects or deficiencies, and developing appropriate engineering solutions.
• Work alongside inspection personnel, field supervisors, technicians, and engineers to better understand operational requirements and customer needs.
• Provide engineering-related technical assistance where specialized engineering knowledge can enhance the quality, effectiveness, or value of inspection services.
• Develop a working knowledge of established and emerging NDE methodologies.
• Support Kiefner's materials testing and engineering laboratory operations in Columbus, Ohio.
• Assist with mechanical testing, specimen preparation, material characterization, metallurgical examinations, and failure investigations.
• Support laboratory documentation, testing procedures, quality assurance activities, equipment calibration, and technical reporting.
• Participate in the investigation of material failures, corrosion mechanisms, manufacturing defects, and service-related damage.
• Assist experienced laboratory personnel and engineers in analyzing test results and developing engineering conclusions.
• Learn the historical engineering methods, established practices, and technical expertise developed by Kiefner and evaluate their applicability to current field inspection needs.
• Investigate emerging technologies, engineering methods, software applications, and industry practices that may enhance existing services or create new service opportunities.
• Identify situations where traditional NDE services may benefit from supplemental engineering evaluations, such as fitness-for-service assessments, failure investigations, remaining-life evaluations, and materials engineering.
• Assist with the development of technical procedures, service concepts, engineering workflows, and supporting documentation for new or expanded offerings.

• All other duties as assigned. 

Qualfications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
• Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or other closely related engineering disciplines are preferred.
• Internship, cooperative education, laboratory, manufacturing, construction, inspection, or industrial field experience is beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in hands-on technical work, engineering investigations, and industrial applications.

• Recent engineering graduates and candidates with limited professional experience are encouraged to apply.

Technical and Professional Skills

• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles, mathematics, mechanics, and material behavior.
• Ability to collect, organize, evaluate, and communicate technical information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with common business software, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently when appropriately trained and under the direction of assigned technical supervisors.
• Willingness to perform both engineering assignments and hands-on laboratory or field activities.

Working Conditions

• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 2-3 weeks/month of working time, based on project demands and organizational requirements.
• Travel may include overnight assignments, multi-day engagements, and occasional extended field deployments.
• Work may be performed in offices, testing laboratories, fabrication facilities, construction locations, pipeline facilities, refineries, industrial plants, and other operating environments.
• Field assignments may require compliance with site-specific safety rules, personal protective equipment requirements, and client training or access requirements.
• Work may include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, industrial environments, and physically demanding tasks consistent with assigned responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability.

Pay range for this job level is per the current collective bargaining agreement and is a general guideline only for States that enforces pay transparency and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, certifications, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.