Field Engineer

Title: Lead Field Engineer – Piping/Mechanical

Location: Homer City, PA

Openings : 4 (2 Direct Hire / 2 Contract-to-Hire)

Hire Type: Direct Hire and Contract-to-Hire (6-month contract)

Compensation:

• Contract-to-Hire: $50–$67/hour
• Direct Hire: Approximately $95,000–$124,000 annually
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–5:00 PM, with rotational Saturdays
• Work Arrangement: Onsite

Benefits & Compensation

• Six-month contract-to-hire opportunity.
• Initial hourly compensation of $50–$67/hour, based on experience.
• Upon conversion to a full-time salaried position, anticipated compensation is approximately $95,000–$124,000 annually.
• Full-time employees will be eligible for company benefits upon conversion.

Position Overview

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Lead Field Engineer – Piping/Mechanical in Homer City, PA. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced field engineering professional with a strong background in piping systems, mechanical equipment installation, and construction execution.

In this role, you will provide on-site technical leadership, support safe execution, ensure quality workmanship, and coordinate closely with field supervision, craft personnel, subcontractors, and project management to deliver complex power generation projects.

Job Duties

Field Engineering – Mechanical/Piping Focus

• Serve as the lead field engineering resource for piping and mechanical scopes, including pipe racks, pipe supports, pressure piping, equipment setting, and mechanical systems.
• Interpret and communicate piping and mechanical drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, specifications, and vendor data to field crews and craft supervision.
• Support constructability reviews and resolve field design issues in coordination with engineering, quality, and supervision.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, progress tracking, and installation verification for piping, structural/mechanical supports, and related systems.
• Assist in developing and executing work plans, work packages, lift plans, and installation sequencing.
• Coordinate field layout, elevation control, and as-built documentation related to mechanical and piping installations.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate mechanical work activities with supervision and craft personnel.
• Order, track, and schedule delivery of mechanical materials, piping, valves, supports, and equipment.
• Support commissioning readiness by ensuring mechanical completion, punch list resolution, and turnover documentation.
• Lead and support field quality inspections, ensuring compliance with specifications and installation tolerances.
• Prepare and participate in Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and promote a strong safety culture in daily field activities.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and site safety audits.
• Provide technical oversight and field support for mechanical subcontractors and vendors as required.

Office Engineering

• Perform material takeoffs from piping drawings, isometrics, specifications, and vendor documents.
• Assist with reviewing and coordinating vendor drawings, shop drawings, and technical submittals.
• Support preparation of RFIs, field clarifications, and engineering change documentation.
• Assist in preparing purchase orders and subcontracts related to mechanical and piping scopes.
• Support schedule development and updates related to mechanical installation activities and milestones.
• Maintain project documentation, including daily reports, photos, RFIs, turnover packages, and as-built records.
• Support job cost tracking, forecasting, and cost report reviews related to piping and mechanical scopes.
• Assist project management with change management, quantity tracking, and scope verification.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on field engineering experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Construction field experience with a strong emphasis on piping and mechanical work.
• Experience leading or mentoring field engineers and coordinating with craft supervision preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret, and identify discrepancies in piping drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, piping materials, supports, and installation methods common to power generation projects.
• Ability to work in an active construction environment and access all areas of a jobsite in varying climates.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment to delivering quality work safely and efficiently.
• Safety-focused mindset with the ability to influence safe work behaviors in the field.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.

Additional Position Details

• Project location: 1750 Powerplant Road, Homer City, PA 15748.
• Onboarding location: 277 Cornell Road, Blairsville, PA.
• Onboarding sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:45 AM in Blairsville.
• Candidates may qualify for temporary duty (TDY) eligibility if they live more than 45 miles from the project site.
• TDY eligibility requires at least 3 years of actual field engineering experience.
• TDY schedules follow a rotating 2-, 3-, or 4-week turnaround.
• Preference will be given to candidates local to the project or surrounding areas to minimize relocation needs.

Sterling Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.