Project Engineer

Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Lake Wales, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer – Water/Wastewater in Lake Wales, FL. This entry-level role provides technical, administrative, and operational support to the project team throughout construction.

The successful candidate will assist with coordination, documentation, scheduling, procurement tracking, and field operations, gaining hands-on experience in project controls and construction management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or another relevant field.
• 0–3 years of construction-related experience, including internships or co-ops.
• Basic understanding of construction processes and project management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced project environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling tools.
• Willingness to obtain OSHA 10-Hour and other certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update project documentation (RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, minutes).
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and contract documents.
• Support scheduling with updates and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate distribution of project documents to subs, vendors, and field staff.
• Assist with procurement activities and vendor communication.
• Support project closeout with manuals, warranties, as-builts, turnover docs.
• Participate in meetings and assist with documentation.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress.
• Assist with startup, commissioning, testing, and owner turnover.
• Support safety and quality procedures.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or another relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Microsoft Project

Scheduling tools

Job description

Posted Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Project Engineer – Water/Wastewater. We are currently seeking someone who is willing to work in Lake Wales, FL.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Project Engineer is responsible for providing technical, administrative, and operational support to the project team throughout all phases of construction. This entry-level role assists with project coordination, document control, procurement tracking, scheduling support, subcontractor coordination, and field operations to help ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with company standards and contract requirements.

The Project Engineer works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel to support day-to-day project execution while gaining hands-on experience in construction management processes, project controls, and field operations. This position serves as a foundational role for career growth within project management and construction operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and update project documentation including RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, meeting minutes, concrete pour logs, procurement logs, and other project tracking reports.
• Assist with preparation, review, distribution, and tracking of Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and contract documents.
• Support project scheduling efforts including schedule updates, procurement schedules, short-interval planning, and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate distribution of project documents to subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and field personnel.
• Assist with procurement activities including material tracking, expediting deliveries, and vendor communication.
• Support project closeout efforts including collection of Operation & Maintenance Manuals, warranties, as-built drawings, turnover documentation, and spare parts.
• Participate in owner, subcontractor, and internal coordination meetings and assist with meeting documentation.
• Conduct regular project site visits to monitor progress and support field operations.
• Assist with startup, commissioning, testing, inspections, and owner turnover activities.
• Support implementation of company safety standards and quality control procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or another relevant field.
• Zero (0) to three (3) years of construction-related experience preferred, including internships or co-op experience.
• Basic understanding of construction processes, project management principles, and construction documentation.
• Ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with Project Managers, Project Superintendents, and Foremen.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.
• Familiarity with construction management software and scheduling tools preferred.
• Knowledge of surveying fundamentals and construction safety practices preferred.
• Current training/certifications, or willingness to obtain training/certifications, in the following areas preferred:
  • OSHA 10-Hour
  • First Aid & CPR
  • Trenching
  • Scaffolding
  • Rigging
  • Confined Space
  • Fall Protection
  • Silica Awareness
  • Risk Management
• Ability to work on active project job sites and utilize standard office equipment, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, and scanners.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds and meet the physical requirements necessary to safely perform essential job functions.
• Ability to work a flexible project-based schedule, typically Monday through Friday, with hours varying based on project and operational needs.
• Ability to travel to job sites on a limited basis as required by project needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).