Project Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer (Junior-Level, Heavy Civil & Geotechnical)

Job Description

This junior-level Project Engineer role supports heavy civil, geotechnical, dam, mining, and infrastructure projects across the Western United States. You will work primarily in the field, partnering closely with Superintendents and Project Managers to ensure high-quality execution, accurate documentation, and smooth day-to-day operations. The position is highly travel-focused and ideal for early-career engineers who enjoy hands-on work, extensive travel, and building a long-term career in heavy civil and specialty construction.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate directly with Superintendents and Project Managers to support daily field operations on heavy civil, geotechnical, dam, mining, and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the on-site "eyes and ears" of the project team, providing real-time support, feedback, and coordination in the field.
• Perform quality control inspections and testing to verify that work meets project specifications, standards, and safety requirements.
• Prepare and maintain daily reports, logs, and project documentation to ensure accurate records of progress, issues, and field activities.
• Assist with surveying and layout activities, including staking, measurements, and verification of field conditions.
• Support the preparation and tracking of RFIs (Requests for Information) and assist in coordinating timely responses and clarifications.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues or delays, and communicate updates and concerns to the project team.
• Coordinate with field crews ranging from approximately 3 to 18 personnel to support efficient workflow and resource allocation.
• Assist with material tracking, procurement, and inventory management to ensure the right materials are available when needed.
• Help ensure safety and quality standards are maintained by reinforcing procedures and participating in safety-focused activities.
• Support change order processes by helping document field conditions, scope changes, and impacts as needed.
• Contribute to field layouts and construction sequencing to support efficient and accurate execution of work.
• Travel regularly to project sites across the Western U.S., including remote locations, and adapt to changing project assignments.
• Participate actively in mentorship and training opportunities with Project Managers and Superintendents to accelerate professional development.

Essential Skills

• 0-3 years of construction-related experience, preferably in heavy civil, geotechnical, dam, mining, or infrastructure projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Geology, or a related engineering discipline. Mechanical Engineering backgrounds may be considered if accompanied by civil or geotechnical construction experience.
• Demonstrated comfort working outdoors and in hands-on construction environments, including remote or rugged project locations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to field crews, supervisors, and project stakeholders.
• Solid problem-solving abilities, with a practical approach to addressing field issues and coordinating solutions.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the Western U.S. for project assignments.
• Ownership of a personal vehicle and willingness to drive to and from project sites.
• Interest in heavy civil, geotechnical, dams, mining, and infrastructure construction.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a field-based project team, taking direction from Superintendents and Project Managers.
• Coachability and openness to feedback, with a focus on learning and developing as an early-career engineer.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Internship or prior field experience in construction, heavy civil, or geotechnical projects is strongly preferred.
• Experience or exposure to construction quality control, including inspections, testing, and documentation.
• Familiarity with civil construction practices, geotechnical work, dams, mining, or water infrastructure projects.
• Experience assisting with surveying, layout, or field staking activities.
• Exposure to RFIs, change orders, and construction documentation processes.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in reporting, documentation, and material tracking.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, project-based environment with changing priorities and locations.
• Motivated, humble, and hands-on approach, with a strong desire to learn and grow within a specialized construction contractor.
• Interest in long-term career advancement in heavy civil and specialty geotechnical construction.
• Comfort working within a collaborative culture focused on professional development, mentorship, and training.

Work Environment

This role is heavily field-based and travel-focused, with projects located across the Western United States. Current and recent project locations include a major infrastructure project along the Columbia River in Washington (through approximately September 2027), dam and irrigation district work in Wyoming, a mining project in New Mexico, and additional projects throughout the western region from the Dakotas to Texas and west. You will spend most of your time on active construction sites, working outdoors in varying weather conditions and in hands-on environments typical of heavy civil and geotechnical construction. The position requires extensive travel to project sites, often in remote areas, and candidates should be based within the western region of the U.S., with preference for those near Denver or Salt Lake City.

A personal vehicle is required, and mileage reimbursement is provided for mobilization and demobilization to and from project sites, as well as for home rotations. The travel package typically includes hotel accommodations or a housing allowance, per diem while working or traveling, and coverage of mileage or flights for scheduled home rotations. For standard projects, a daily per diem is provided while working or traveling, and for the Washington project, a higher daily housing allowance is available, with employees responsible for securing their own lodging. The schedule includes a home rotation every third weekend, typically providing four days off (Friday through Monday), with travel assistance and per diem on travel days. The organization offers a flexible PTO policy and paid holidays, including several federal holidays, an additional day after Thanksgiving, and project shutdowns on many sites between Christmas and New Year's. You will work within a collaborative culture that emphasizes mentorship from Project Managers and Superintendents, professional development, and long-term career growth. Dress and attire are consistent with standard construction site expectations, including appropriate field clothing and safety gear suitable for outdoor, hands-on work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Centennial, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Centennial,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.