Assistant Resident Engineer
Job description
About the role
Infrastructure projects across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic receive support from this field-based role.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Construction progress is documented through structured records to keep stakeholders informed.
Contract plans and technical requirements are followed during site inspections to verify alignment.
Contractor performance is observed to highlight opportunities for resolving conflicts and improving efficiency.
RFIs, shop drawings, and submittals are examined to confirm field applicability.
Installed quantities are checked to assist with validating progress payments.
Site conditions are addressed through direct collaboration with contractors, inspectors, and design teams.
Requirements
The posting states a minimum of 25 years of experience.
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline is required.
3 7 years of experience supporting construction projects in a field-based role is required.
Experience with water, wastewater, or heavy civil infrastructure projects is preferred.
Familiarity with treatment plant environments, process systems, or utility coordination is advantageous.
The ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents is required.
Full-time on-site work in an active construction setting is required.
Strong communication skills to coordinate across multiple stakeholders are required.
EIT certification is preferred; a Professional Engineer license is a plus.
Experience working with NYC public agencies or similar regulatory environments is beneficial.
Practical notes
This role requires on-site presence in Staten Island and coordination with public agencies.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
The role focuses on construction oversight in a treatment plant context.
Common tools include construction drawings, inspection reports, and progress documentation.
General engineering principles guide utility coordination and field decision-making.
Work involves interaction with contractors, inspectors, and design teams.
The position contributes to public infrastructure resilience in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Questions to ask
Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.