Project Engineer - Lead Field Engineer

Job Overview
Title: Project Engineer – Lead Field Engineer

Department: Engineering / Field Operations

Supervises: Junior Field Engineers and Surveyors

Role Type: Full-time

Location: San Jose, CA

About the Company: Mountain Cascade is a leading heavy civil contractor specializing in the vital infrastructure that supports Northern California. From major pipeline networks to sophisticated water treatment facilities, we partner with the region's largest utility districts to deliver high-impact, technically complex projects. We value precision, safety, and the engineering expertise required to manage the "wet utility" lifecycle.

About the Position: We are seeking a Lead Field Engineer to provide technical oversight for a major Water Treatment Plant project with the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD). This is a high-level "boots-on-the-ground" engineering role that bridges the gap between the design office and the construction site. You will be responsible for ensuring that all field activities—ranging from structural concrete to complex mechanical piping—align with SCVWD standards and engineering specifications.

Key Responsibilities
Field Technical Oversight: Manage the layout, grade, and technical accuracy of all water treatment plant components, including filtration basins, pump galleries, and chemical storage.

RFI & Submittal Management: Lead the RFI process, identifying design conflicts early and coordinating with the EOR (Engineer of Record) and SCVWD representatives to find field solutions.

Quality Assurance: Execute rigorous QC inspections; oversee pressure testing for mechanical systems and leak testing for concrete structures.

Survey & Layout Coordination: Ensure all site surveying and vertical/horizontal controls are accurate; manage the transition from digital models (BIM) to physical field implementation.

Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed daily field reports, "as-built" drawings, and quantity tracking for progress billing.

Safety Integration: Work closely with the Safety Supervisor to ensure all technical means and methods—such as deep trench shoring or crane lifts—are executed safely.

Required Qualifications
Experience: 10+ years of experience in heavy civil construction, with at least 5 years specifically focused on the construction of water treatment plants.

Technical Background: Proven experience working directly for a contractor as a Field Project Engineer or Lead Field Engineer.

Education: BS in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Construction Management (BSCM) is preferred.

Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of SCVWD (Valley Water) standards and heavy civil "wet utility" construction processes.

Logistics: Ability to work out of the San Jose office and maintain a consistent presence at the project site.

Preferred Qualifications
Licensure: EIT (Engineer-in-Training) or PE (Professional Engineer) license is a significant plus.

Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and construction management software (e.g., Procore or Viewpoint).

Scheduling: Experience with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for tracking field production rates.