Project Engineer/Construction Engineer at Westwood Professional Services Inc – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer/Construction Engineer in Baton Rouge, LA. In this position, you will be responsible for providing construction administration services on civil engineering projects, ensuring projects are built in accordance with approved plans and specifications. This position requires a civil engineering or construction management background and involves field observations, contractor coordination, and quality assurance across a variety of project types, including subdivision developments, commercial site developments, and large-scale industrial projects. The role offers an opportunity to grow into a senior engineering or project management position under the mentorship of licensed Professional Engineers.

• Conduct field observations on active construction sites to verify work is being performed in accordance with approved construction drawings and specifications.
• Develop thorough familiarity with project scope, plans, specifications, and design criteria prior to commencement of construction.
• Prepare detailed field observation reports documenting construction progress, deficiencies, and contractor conformance with the plans.
• Attend and participate in Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings; prepare and distribute meeting minutes.
• Review and process contractor pay applications, verifying quantities and percent-complete against field observations.
• Communicate with contractors to address RFIs, field issues, and plan clarifications in coordination with the design team.
• Monitor construction schedules and advise senior engineers and project managers when projects are at risk of delay or deviation from the approved plans.
• Proactively identify and communicate scope changes, field conflicts, or design discrepancies to senior engineers and project leadership.
• Provide on-site support during critical construction phases including earthwork, utility installation, paving, and project close-out.
• Coordinate with internal engineering staff, discipline leads, and external contractors to facilitate smooth project flow and timely completion.
• Review construction submittals to ensure alignment with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Review contractor work for compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Communicate contractor performance issues, safety concerns, or quality deficiencies to senior engineers and project managers in a timely manner.
• Assist in the preparation of punch lists and close-out documentation at project completion.
• Maintain organized project files including daily logs, photo documentation, correspondence, and submittals.

Required Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in preparing clear and concise observation reports and correspondence.
• Foundational knowledge of civil construction methods, materials, and project execution procedures.
• Familiarity with civil engineering standards, construction drawings, and construction administration workflows.
• Ability to build professional relationships with contractors, owners, and project stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a field environment with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); familiarity with Bluebeam, AutoCAD/Civil 3D, or construction management software is a plus.
• Effective problem-solving abilities with a commitment to quality and attention to conformance with design intent.
• Willingness to learn and grow into a senior engineering or project management role under the mentorship of Professional Engineers.
• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering construction drawings, grading plans, utility plans, and specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple project assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and navigating active construction sites.
• Local travel is required 50-60%

Qualifications:

• BS in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field
• 3+ years of civil engineering, construction management, or project-related experience
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel to local projects sites throughout Louisiana
• Licensed Engineer in Training, or the ability to obtain within one year of hire

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision.

We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2024, Zweig Group ranked Westwood nationally at #13 and #40, respectively, on its Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work for lists. Zweig also awarded Westwood one national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. Westwood was recently recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024. The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.