Office Engineer / Inspector
Job description
About the role
The position provides structured documentation and inspection support for field operations on a New Jersey transportation rehabilitation project. You will ensure construction execution aligns precisely with project requirements through coordinated oversight and verification. A core part of the role involves tracking issues and actively resolving them by engaging with project stakeholders, contractors, and client representatives. You will systematically review and process all project documentation to maintain data integrity. The work involves verifying that installed work meets standards and documenting any deficiencies or non-conforming conditions for resolution. Effective communication is valued equally with technical capability in this field-based function. You will spend your time balancing field observations with office administration to keep the project on schedule. Your ability to clearly explain decisions and findings will be critical to the project's success.
Key facts
What you'll do
Progress is tracked, and issues are resolved through structured engagement with project stakeholders, contractors, and client representatives.
You will review and process submittals, RFIs, change orders, and construction-related documentation systematically to ensure compliance.
Construction meetings are supported by preparing materials and recording action items to maintain accurate project records throughout the assignment.
Installed work is verified through field inspections, and deficiencies or non-conforming conditions are documented thoroughly for follow-up.
You will validate that construction activities adhere to project requirements, standards, and contract documents.
The role requires maintaining organized project records that capture the timeline of inspections, approvals, and observations.
You will collaborate with contractors, project teams, and client representatives to resolve issues and clarify project expectations.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are applied daily to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required, with construction management software experience providing an advantage for managing documentation.
The position requires flexibility to work both in the field and in an office environment as project needs dictate throughout the engagement.
Requirements
The posting states a minimum of 25 years of experience.
You must possess a Bachelor's degree as a mandatory requirement for this position.
Experience supporting transportation, bridge, or heavy civil construction projects for a minimum of 5 years is required.
Previous experience serving as an Office Engineer, Inspector, or a hybrid OE/Inspector role is required.
Prior NJ TRANSIT experience is required for this position.
A strong understanding of construction administration, documentation, and inspection procedures is required.
Experience reviewing and processing RFIs, submittals, change orders, and contractor documentation is required.
Collaboration with contractors, project teams, and client representatives is required.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required, with construction management software experience as a plus.
The ability to work both in the field and in an office environment as project needs dictate is required.
A valid driver's license may be required, and the role involves both field and office work.
Practical notes
Equal opportunity employment practices apply throughout the hiring process. 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
Office engineers and inspectors combine field observations with administrative tasks to keep construction projects on track. Common tools include Microsoft Office Suite and construction management platforms used for documentation and scheduling. The role involves frequent switching between office and site environments depending on project needs. General engineering and inspection practices apply to transportation and heavy civil projects in this field.
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.