Field Construction Engineer

Abbott • Chicago, IL

2d • $99,300 - $198,700 • Onsite

About The Position

Abbott is seeking an experienced Field Construction Engineer to provide onsite leadership and oversight for capital construction projects in a manufacturing environment. The role drives safe project execution, ensures work meets design and quality standards, and acts as the primary field representative connecting project teams, contractors, operations, maintenance, and engineering stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with construction expertise and safety leadership who can keep projects moving efficiently from planning through closeout.

The position is based at Abbott Park in the United States. The posted base pay range is $99,300.00–$198,700.00; the range may vary in specific locations. The work shift is listed as Standard. Significant work activities include continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than two consecutive hours in an eight-hour day) and keyboard use for at least 50% of the workday.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 10+ years of experience in field construction engineering, construction supervision, or a related construction leadership role supporting industrial, manufacturing, commercial, or large-scale capital projects.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors and coordinating field execution activities on active construction sites.
• Strong commitment to construction safety and experience implementing safe work practices, permits, and hazard mitigation measures.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of construction processes, scheduling principles, resource planning, and project execution.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence teams and drive accountability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Project.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment.
• Experience identifying and resolving field construction issues while maintaining project schedule and quality objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Building Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food, medical device, or industrial facility construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of building construction methods, materials, and equipment.
• Understanding of HVAC systems, piping, welding, structural systems, roofing, electrical power, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Experience coordinating crane operations, rigging activities, and complex equipment installations.
• Knowledge of construction codes, permitting requirements, safety regulations, and LEED site management practices.
• Familiarity with project scheduling software and construction management best practices.
• Knowledge of construction quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment and partnering with cross-functional operations and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily onsite construction leadership and serve as the owner's representative during project execution.
• Oversee contractor activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, engineering standards, quality requirements, and safety expectations.
• Lead construction site safety efforts, including issuing and managing safe work permits, reviewing Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and conducting routine safety assessments.
• Identify, communicate, and resolve construction constraints, execution risks, and field issues that could affect schedules, safety, quality, or costs.
• Monitor construction progress against project schedules and provide feedback to contractors and project leadership about performance and resource allocation.
• Ensure construction work aligns with approved drawings, specifications, scope documents, and company engineering standards.
• Coordinate shutdowns, crane lifts, equipment deliveries, and other critical construction activities while minimizing operational disruptions.
• Partner with project managers on logistics planning, site staging, safety planning, quality management, communications, procurement activities, and project closeout.
• Participate in construction meetings and provide updates on safety performance, project progress, risks, and corrective actions.
• Respond appropriately to environmental, health, and safety incidents and ensure compliance with established procedures and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, suppliers, and external contractors to support successful project execution.
• Verify construction sites maintain proper housekeeping, site controls, barriers, and signage to promote a safe working environment.

Benefits

• Free medical coverage for employees via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit, an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
• Career development opportunities with an international company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED