Project Engineer - Field - Midwest

R-2 Contractors, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

R-2 Contractors, a leader in heavy civil underground power infrastructure, seeks a Field Project Engineer to support field leadership on active projects. You will coordinate with project teams, review plans, manage documentation, and track production while working in a field-based, travel‑heavy role.

The position emphasizes hands-on exposure to complex civil construction, safety adherence, and adaptable problem solving on projects nationwide in a heavy civil underground setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CM/CE preferred; equivalent construction experience considered.
• Experience in field engineering and coordination with project management.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans, drawings, and specs.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day field operations and coordination under project leadership.
• Review drawings, specifications, details, and documents for field execution.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, daily reports, and documentation control.
• Track quantities, production, materials, deliveries, and project info.
• Coordinate with PMs, Superintendents, foremen, subcontractors, and inspectors.
• Identify issues and escalate to leadership for timely resolution.
• Support schedules, progress reporting, and change management.
• Maintain organized project records, photos, and reports.
• Participate in site walks, meetings, and quality control checks.

Skills

Field coordination

Communication

Reading drawings

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s in CM/CE

Tools

MS Office

Job description

R-2 CONTRACTORS

Project Engineer - Field

Heavy Civil Underground Power Infrastructure

Position: Project Engineer - Field

Industry: Heavy Civil / Underground Power Infrastructure

Work Environment: Field-based | Active project sites | Travel required

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!

Since 2009, R-2 Contractors has been a trusted leader in Civil & Underground construction, specializing in power infrastructure projects nationwide. From renewable energy to major utility work, we deliver expert excavation, grading, trenching, and foundation services that keep communities connected and moving forward.

What truly sets us apart is our culture. At R-2, we are a team of people who are hungry to take on challenging projects, humble enough to learn, grow, and collaborate, and smart in how we plan, build, and solve problems. We believe in showing up for each other, doing things the right way, and owning every aspect of our work.

Position Summary

The Field Project Engineer supports project management and field leadership on active heavy civil underground power infrastructure projects. This position works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, subcontractors, vendors, inspectors, and other project stakeholders to help coordinate field activities, maintain accurate project documentation, track production and quantities, and keep information moving between the field and project management team.

This is a field-focused development role for someone who wants hands‑on exposure to complex civil construction. The successful candidate will be organized, adaptable, safety‑minded, willing to learn, and comfortable working in fast‑changing jobsite conditions where priorities can shift quickly.

Work Location MI – Midwest

Salary $70k - $110K DOE

Work Schedule 50 hrs. Weekly

Travel Position on various project sites

Key Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day field operations and coordination under the direction of project management and field leadership.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, details, and project documents to support field execution.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, change documentation, meeting notes, daily reports, and document control.
• Track installed quantities, production, materials, deliveries, and other project information as assigned.
• Help compare field conditions and completed work against plans, specifications, schedules, and project requirements.
• Coordinate information with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, subcontractors, vendors, inspectors, and owners as directed.
• Identify drawing conflicts, field discrepancies, missing information, or potential issues and elevate them promptly to project leadership.
• Assist with material takeoffs, procurement coordination, delivery tracking, and verification of materials received in the field.
• Support schedule updates, short‑term planning, progress reporting, cost tracking, and change management activities.
• Maintain organized and accurate project records, photos, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in project meetings, site walks, inspections, and coordination activities.
• Support quality control and help verify that work is completed in accordance with project requirements.
• Follow all company and project safety requirements and immediately communicate unsafe conditions or concerns.
• Adapt to changing field conditions, project priorities and assignments while maintaining a high level of ownership and follow‑through.
• Perform additional project and field support duties as assigned.

Project Experience We Value

• Heavy civil construction and underground utilities.
• 2 plus years’ experience preferred
• Utility‑scale power infrastructure and renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, BESS, and related civil scopes.
• Substation civil work and foundations.
• Excavation, grading, trenching, duct bank, underground electrical/civil infrastructure, and concrete foundations.
• Data center or other large-scale power infrastructure projects with significant underground civil scopes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant construction experience will be considered.
• Previous construction internship, Project Engineer, Field Engineer, or comparable field experience preferred.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans, civil drawings, specifications and details.
• Working knowledge of RFIs, submittals, daily reporting, quantity tracking and construction documentation preferred.
• Comfort working around active heavy equipment, excavation, underground utility operations, and changing jobsite conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across field and office teams.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with construction management software is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work at changing project locations as business needs require.
• No visa sponsorship available.

What Success Looks Like at R-2

• Pride - Take pride in the quality and accuracy of your work and how you represent the team.
• Grit - Stay engaged and productive when conditions, priorities, or plans change.
• Own It - Take responsibility, communicate issues early, follow through, and help drive solutions.
• Bring a hungry, humble, and smart approach to learning, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Put safety first and never compromise safe work practices to gain production.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Field‑based position with regular work on active construction sites and exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• May require extended periods of standing, walking on uneven terrain, climbing, bending and moving around active construction operations.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all site‑specific safety requirements.
• Work schedules and project locations may vary based on operational needs; travel and temporary project assignments may be required.

Why R-2 Contractors?

At R-2, Project Engineers are part of the project team, not observers. This role provides direct exposure to field operations, project management, heavy civil construction, and the infrastructure that supports some of the country's most demanding power projects. We are looking for people who want to learn, contribute, take ownership, and grow with the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity

R-2 Contractors is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.