Field Project Engineer

Introduction

Brunel is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Project Field Engineer to join a leading North American mining company on a major copper mine expansion project in Princeton, British Columbia. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of critical water management and infrastructure systems while gaining exposure to large-scale mining construction projects. Working at the intersection of engineering and construction, you will collaborate with project stakeholders, contractors, and engineering consultants to ensure work is executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with design specifications, industry standards, and project objectives.

As a Project Field Engineer, you will be responsible for coordinating engineering and construction activities related to surface water management systems, providing technical support to field teams, reviewing and resolving design issues, performing site-specific engineering calculations, and developing field sketches and as-built documentation. You will oversee quality assurance and inspection activities, support earthworks and containment construction, ensure compliance with environmental and safety requirements, and facilitate communication between design teams and construction crews to successfully deliver project milestones on schedule and within scope. This field-based role offers hands-on involvement in civil, mechanical, piping, and instrumentation disciplines, making it an excellent opportunity for an engineer looking to broaden their expertise within a dynamic mining environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Manager - Water Management with coordination with external engineering consultants. Review design packages, manage Request for Information (RFI) processes, and coordinate the timely resolution of design conflicts or field discrepancies.
• Utilize online software to generate field sketches, redlines, and "As-Built" drawings for piping layouts, pipe supports, and mechanical equipment installations to accommodate field conditions.
• Perform site-specific engineering calculations, including pipe hydraulics, pressure drops, pump sizing verifications, and structural support adequacy, ensuring changes align with project standards and codes (e.g., ASME B31.3, ASME B31.11, API).
• Provide technical interpretation of blueprints, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), isometric drawings, and vendor manuals for field supervisors and contractors.
• Earthworks & Containment Oversight: Supervise and verify the subgrade preparation, compaction, and liner deployment for water storage ponds, ensuring alignment with geotechnical design specifications.
• Civil/Structural Calculations: Perform field calculations regarding earthwork volumes (cut and fill), open-channel flow hydraulics (e.g., ditch and culvert sizing), and basic concrete/rebar layout verifications.
• Civil-Mechanical Interface Coordination: Ensure seamless alignment between civil foundations and mechanical equipment installations (e.g., verifying anchor bolt placements, pump house concrete pad levels, and pipe trench depths before piping installation).
• Coordinate with site surveyors to verify lines, grades, and elevations for piping corridors, culverts, and water management structures.
• Environmental Compliance: Monitor the implementation of erosion and sediment control plans (e.g., silt fences, check dams) during construction to ensure compliance with environmental water discharge permits.
• Inspections & Testing: Oversee and document critical quality control activities, including piping pressure tests (hydrostatic and pneumatic), equipment alignment (pumps, compressors, valves), and torquing verifications.
• Material Management: Assist in reviewing and verifying vendor data sheets, Material Test Reports (MTRs), and ensuring that received mechanical and piping components meet engineering specifications.
• Progress Tracking & Reporting: Monitor and report on the daily/weekly progress of mechanical and piping installations against the project schedule. Identify potential bottlenecks and propose mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Civil Engineering (with a piping focus), or a related engineering discipline.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or professional engineering designation (P.Eng. / PE) is highly desirable.
• 3-6 years of experience in field engineering, construction engineering, or mechanical/piping design, preferably within heavy industrial sectors (mining, oil & gas, or large-scale water treatment).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D/3D) is beneficial. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software (e.g., AFT Fathom, Pipe-Flo) or structural calculation tools is a plus.
• Technical Knowledge: ○ Strong understanding of water management systems, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, carbon/stainless steel piping, pumps, and valves. Familiarity with industrial piping codes (ASME B31.3) and mining/environmental regulations regarding water usage and discharge.
• Experience with bulk earthworks, site grading, excavation, and the construction of water containment structures (e.g., lined sedimentation ponds, drainage channels) is an asset.
• Familiarity with Geosynthetics, including the installation and quality control testing of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pond liners and geotextiles.
• Knowledge of soil mechanics, compaction testing methods (e.g., Proctor testing, nuclear density gauge methods), and concrete reinforcement/placement inspection.
• Understanding of surface water hydrology, stormwater management, and erosion/sediment control practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise between field craft laborers, project managers, and remote engineering consultants. Proven problem-solving ability in high-pressure field environments.