Construction Engineering Technician (CET)

The Copper River Family of Companies; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Open leave policy

Paid holidays

Job summary

Copper River Technologies in Philadelphia, PA seeks a Construction Engineering Technician (CET) to support NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic projects. You will provide QA inspections, construction oversight, safety monitoring, and contract administration support across federal construction phases.

The role requires extensive NAVFAC/USACE experience, strong QA procedures, and ability to manage documentation and communications with contractors and government staff.

Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance required.
• Pass USACE EM 385-1-1 Safety & Health exam within 15 days.
• 5 years as Quality Control Manager for NAVFAC/USACE or 10 years Foreman in related trades.
• CQM for Contractors certification before start or within 60 days.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification within 30 days.
• Strong knowledge of federal construction QA and contract requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor the Contractor’s CQM Program throughout project execution.
• Review QC Plans and provide recommendations for Government approval.
• Attend QC meetings to verify compliance with contract requirements.
• Inspect activities, materials, equipment, and workmanship for compliance.
• Verify installed quantities and completed work prior to invoicing.
• Witness testing and commissioning of mechanical/electrical/HVAC systems.
• Maintain project photographs and detailed construction documentation.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Construction Oversight

Contract Admin

Safety Monitoring

Drawings interpretation

Documentation

Education

USACE EM 385-1-1 safety exam

Job description

Copper River Technologies is seeking a highly motivated Construction Engineering Technician (CET) to support NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic construction projects in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Construction Engineering Technician serves as a key member of the construction management team by providing quality assurance inspections, construction oversight, safety monitoring, contract administration support, and technical assistance throughout all phases of federal construction projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience supporting NAVFAC or USACE construction projects while ensuring contractor compliance with quality, safety, and contractual requirements.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

Quality Assurance & Construction Oversight

• Coordinate and monitor the Contractor’s Construction Quality Management (CQM) Program throughout project execution.
• Review contractor Quality Control (QC) Plans and provide recommendations for Government approval.
• Attend Preparatory, Initial, and Follow-Up Quality Control meetings to verify compliance with contract requirements.
• Inspect construction activities, materials, equipment, and workmanship to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Verify installed quantities, materials, and completed work prior to invoice approval.
• Witness testing and commissioning of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, roofing, fire protection, utility, and life safety systems.
• Maintain project photographs and detailed construction documentation throughout project execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Monitor contractor compliance with EM 385-1-1 Safety & Health Requirements and OSHA regulations.
• Review Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs), Accident Prevention Plans (APPs), and site‑specific safety documentation.
• Participate in safety inspections, stand‑downs, accident investigations, and corrective action reviews.
• Review crane lift plans and observe critical lift operations in accordance with NAVFAC P‑307 requirements.
• Ensure contractors conduct required toolbox safety meetings and submit required safety documentation.

Project & Contract Support

• Assist the Construction Manager with reviewing construction drawings, specifications, Requests for Information (RFIs), and contractor submittals.
• Participate in pre‑bid site visits, preconstruction conferences, partnering meetings, and project progress meetings.
• Review contractor schedules, three‑week look‑ahead schedules, daily reports, and progress documentation.
• Assist with environmental compliance reviews, utility coordination, permits, and temporary construction facilities.
• Support contract modifications, Government estimates, proposal reviews, and contractor performance evaluations.
• Assist with project closeout activities, including punch list inspections, as‑built drawings, warranties, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, and final acceptance documentation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Essential Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• Clearance

  • Active Secret Security Clearance required

• Education and Certifications:

  • Ability to pass the USACE EM 385-1-1 Safety & Health Examination within 15 days of onboarding

• Required Experience and Skills:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience as a Quality Control Manager supporting NAVFAC or USACE construction projects OR
  • Minimum 10 years of experience as a Foreman in Concrete, Mechanical, Electrical, Masonry, or Carpentry on commercial, industrial, or military construction projects
  • Construction Quality Management (CQM) for Contractors certification prior to start or the ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
  • Thorough understanding of construction quality management, contractor quality control procedures, and federal construction contract requirements

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong understanding of federal construction quality assurance and inspection practices
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and technical documentation
  • Knowledge of construction scheduling, testing, commissioning, and project documentation
  • Excellent organizational and documentation skills
  • Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities
  • Ability to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, architects, contracting officers, and Government representatives
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities on active construction sites

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting NAVFAC or USACE military construction programs
• Familiarity with NAVFAC Business Management System (BMS)
• Experience reviewing testing and commissioning documentation
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and federal construction contracting processes

About Copper River & The Native Village of Eyak:

Owned by the Native Village of Eyak (NVE), a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe, the Copper River Family of Companies are a collection of entities that deliver a complementary set of solutions and services to support the diverse missions and requirements of our clients. Proud participants of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program since 2006, our companies consist of both current and graduation SBA 8(a) entities. It is our collective purpose to support the Tribe and diversify the NVE’s ability to facilitate economic advancement.

The income generated from our companies helps the Native Village of Eyak fund health and social services, economic development, natural resource/environmental education, jobs, job training, and other benefits to the NVE in a manner that is consistent with Alaskan Native cultural values and traditions.

Copper River’s Culture

The Copper River Family of Companies has a positive, supportive, and thriving culture. At the foundation of our culture is a focus on collaboration. No matter your role or which operating company you work for, we are ONE TEAM working toward the same goals for our customers and for our collective owner- The Native Village of Eyak. How we treat each other is just as important as the work we deliver.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
• Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
• Retirement 401(k) with employer match
• Open leave policy and paid holidays
• Additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!

Note : These benefits are only applicable to full time, regular associates at Copper River.

Disclaimer

The Copper River Family of Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.