Project Engineer- Smithsonian Institution (MSC Campus)

SIRIS LLC • Suitland-Silver Hill, MD

1d • $70,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

SIRIS is seeking an early-career Project Engineer to serve as an Owner’s Representative supporting a campus renovation project at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Project Engineer will assist with construction oversight, field coordination, quality assurance, project documentation, and contractor communication. The role includes participating in site visits, monitoring construction progress, reviewing project documents, identifying potential issues, and preparing reports to support project execution.

The position is suited to someone with foundational knowledge of construction practices, drawings, specifications, and project documentation who is interested in developing technical and project management skills while supporting complex federal and historic preservation projects. The successful candidate is detail-oriented, organized, proactive, dependable, comfortable in active construction environments, and able to communicate with project stakeholders and escalate issues to senior team members as needed. Experience with federal construction, renovations, cultural facilities, or historic preservation is beneficial but not required.

The work takes place in indoor and outdoor construction environments, including active construction sites and occupied institutional facilities. The employee must work full-time onsite in the Washington, D.C. area and may travel between Smithsonian facilities and active construction sites as project needs require. Work may involve prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and navigating uneven surfaces; occasional access to elevated areas or confined spaces may be necessary. Required personal protective equipment must be worn when applicable. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience working with a general contractor, construction management firm, or engineering firm.
• Approximately 2–4 years of experience in construction management, project engineering, field coordination, construction inspection, or a related field; internship, co-op, or early-career project experience may be considered.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, specifications, submittals, schedules, and project documentation.
• Familiarity with construction materials, methods, quality control, and jobsite safety practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear field reports and project updates.
• Ability to stay organized, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively with project team members.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in the Washington, D.C. area and travel between Smithsonian facilities and active construction sites as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to interpret basic construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn new project management systems, construction procedures, and technical requirements.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance and direction from senior project staff when needed.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor construction environments, including active construction sites and occupied institutional facilities.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described for the position, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and navigating uneven surfaces; occasional access to elevated areas or confined spaces may be necessary.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction certification.
• Additional construction, safety, or project management certifications.
• Experience with federal construction, historic preservation, or cultural facilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring construction activities for progress and general compliance with approved drawings, specifications, contract documents, and applicable building codes.
• Review construction plans, shop drawings, submittals, and project documentation to understand requirements and identify potential discrepancies.
• Participate in site visits, progress meetings, and coordination discussions with contractors, consultants, architects, engineers, and government representatives.
• Observe construction activities and document potential deficiencies, workmanship concerns, safety issues, or deviations from project requirements.
• Assist with reviewing construction materials, equipment deliveries, contractor quality control documentation, and submittals.
• Support review of contractor payment applications, quantity estimates, cost proposals, and proposed project modifications as assigned.
• Prepare field reports, meeting minutes, project updates, and other documentation to maintain accurate project records.
• Track project progress, outstanding issues, and required follow-up; communicate concerns to senior SIRIS project staff.
• Develop familiarity with applicable construction standards, building codes, safety requirements, and historic preservation practices relevant to Smithsonian facilities.
• Help maintain safety for museum staff, visitors, contractors, and project personnel; minimize disruption to museum operations and public access.
• Help protect historic architectural features, original materials, and existing building systems; identify and document unforeseen existing conditions, concealed systems, and potential construction conflicts.
• Coordinate contractor access, system shutdowns, and construction activities within occupied facilities, and help maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Maintain accurate documentation of field observations, construction activities, and existing conditions, while complying with applicable federal regulations, building codes, Smithsonian standards, project requirements, and historic preservation guidelines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; SIRIS pays 99% of the individual base plan premium and 50% of dependent coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Annual bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level