Industrial Field Engineer

JH Kelly, LLC; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

JH Kelly is seeking a curious, hands-on Industrial Field Engineer to support our industrial construction operations. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional who wants hands-on exposure to complex plumbing and mechanical systems.

You will track delivery and installation progress, update logs, assist with work packages, and learn from project engineers and managers on active sites across Washington.

Qualifications

• Experience: 0-2 years in construction or engineering internships, field coordination, or hands-on trades experience.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, construction management, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related field.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and timeliness of follow-through. Familiarity with Excel, Bluebeam, and project management software is a plus.
• Mindset: Curious self-starter, unafraid to ask questions, thrives on early responsibility, and eager to see how projects come together.

Responsibilities

• Track delivery and installation progress for fabricated piping, hangers, valves, fixtures, and equipment.
• Monitor and update progress logs using project software (Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, Revizto, etc.).
• Support the punch list process - documenting, tracking, and verifying completion of quality items.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to work in the field

Project management software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering

Construction management background

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Project management software

Job description

Thank you for your interest in joining the JH Kelly team!

For more than 100 years, we've built our reputation on the strength of our people, our commitment to safety, and the relationships we build with our employees, customers, and communities. We're always looking for talented individuals who share our values and take pride in their work.

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation over the past 10 years.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening. Certain positions may also require a background check and/or motor vehicle record (MVR) review based on job responsibilities.

We appreciate your interest in becoming part of the JH Kelly family and look forward to learning more about you.

Position Description

At JH Kelly , we’re looking for a curious, hands-on Industrial Field Engineer to support our Industrial construction operations. This is an ideal opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional who wants to learn by doing - tracking real progress in the field, working alongside project engineers and managers, and getting hands-on exposure to complex plumbing and mechanical systems.

Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll take on:

Tracking & Field Support

• Track delivery and installation progress for fabricated piping, hangers, valves, fixtures, and equipment.
• Monitor and update progress logs using project software (Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, Revizto, etc.).
• Support the punch list process - documenting, tracking, and verifying completion of quality items.

Work Package Exposure

• Assist Project Engineers with developing and updating work packages for fabrication, field installation, testing, and turnover.
• Support creation of as-builts, test plans, and tracking of installation sequencing.
• Learn to navigate models, drawings, and specs for both mechanical and plumbing systems.

Field Coordination & Learning

• Walk the job daily to observe installation, ask questions, and bring clarity back to the team.
• Attend coordination meetings and pull planning sessions as a support resource.
• Help with documentation and reporting on system status, area readiness, and schedule impacts.
• Build strong working relationships with foremen, field leadership, project engineers, and PMs.
• Earn trust through performance and contribute to a positive, high-trust project culture.
• Show up as a calm, consistent, and capable technical partner on site.

What You’ll Learn:

How real construction projects are built-from model to material to installation and turnover; reading and reconciling design docs with field conditions; communicating across teams, vendors, and crews; and using industry tools in modern workflows.

Position Requirements

What You Bring

• Experience: 0-2 years in construction or engineering internships, field coordination, or hands-on trades experience.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, construction management, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related field.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and timeliness of follow-through. Familiarity with Excel, Bluebeam, and project management software is a plus. Willingness to work in the field and learn construction from the ground up.
• Mindset: Curious self-starter, unafraid to ask questions, thrives on early responsibility, and eager to see how projects come together.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field settings. In the office, expect extended sitting at a computer with repetitive tasks like typing and phone use. In the field, be prepared for prolonged standing-walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, kneeling, crouching, crawling in tight spaces, and occasionally lifting 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for plans, inspections, and on-site communication. Adapt to outdoor weather, site dress codes, PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots), and occasional travel or non-standard hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JH Kelly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with dignity and respect. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require assistance or accommodation, please contact our Human Resources department.