Field Engineer – Mechanical Construction
At JH Kelly, we’re looking for a curious, hands-on Field Engineer to support our construction operations in Boise. This is an ideal opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional who wants to learn by doing — tracking real progress in the field, working alongside project engineers and managers, and getting hands-on exposure to complex plumbing and mechanical systems.About Us Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse with a legacy of tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team known for safety, quality, and a tight-knit, dynamic culture. Curious about our story and impact? Check us out atWho We’re Looking ForA self-starter organizer who thrives on responsibility and asks smart questions. You’re hungry to learn mechanical and plumbing systems hands-on, comfortable (or quick to get comfy) with technical docs, construction software like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, or Revizto, and building trust through follow-through. Based in Boise, you’ll support field teams on large-scale projects, walking jobs daily, tracking progress, and earning your spot as a go-to technical partner. This entry-level role is for ambitious builders ready to launch into Project Engineer, Manager, or Field Leadership paths.What You’ll DoYou’ll be the person who connects to model to the material, the material to the installation, and the installation to the punch list. This is not a desk job — you’ll be out walking the job, tracking systems and progress, and leading how the work gets done from the people doing it. As our Field Engineer — Mechanical, you’ll support project teams with boots-on-the-ground coordination, tracking mechanical and plumbing progress from fabrication delivery through installation, testing, and turnover. Reporting to the Project Manager in Boise Operations, you’ll learn the ropes while contributing real value—no experience required, just drive and initiative.Pay Range: $25 – $43 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible).Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll take on:Tracking & Field Support
- Track delivery and installation progress for fabricated piping, hangers, valves, fixtures, and equipment.
- Monitor and update progress logs using project software (Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, Revizto, etc.).
- Support the punch list process—documenting, tracking, and verifying completion of quality items.
Work Package Exposure
- Assist Project Engineers with developing and updating work packages for fabrication, field installation, testing, and turnover.
- Support creation of as-builts, test plans, and tracking of installation sequencing.
- Learn to navigate models, drawings, and specs for both mechanical and plumbing systems.
Field Coordination & Learning
- Walk the job daily to observe installation, ask questions, and bring clarity back to the team.
- Attend coordination meetings and pull planning sessions as a support resource.
- Help with documentation and reporting on system status, area readiness, and schedule impacts.
Team Collaboration & Culture
- Build strong working relationships with foremen, field leadership, project engineers, and PMs.
- Earn trust through performance and contribute to a positive, high-trust project culture.
- Show up as a calm, consistent, and capable technical partner on site.
What You’ll Learn: How real construction projects are built—from model to material to installation and turnover; reading and reconciling design docs with field conditions; communicating across teams, vendors, and crews; and using industry tools in modern workflows.What You Bring
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, construction management, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related field.
- Experience: 0-2 years in construction or engineering internships, field coordination, or hands-on trades experience.
- Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and timeliness of follow-through. Familiarity with Excel, Bluebeam, and project management software is a plus. Willingness to work in the field and learn construction from the ground up.
- Mindset: Curious self-starter, unafraid to ask questions, thrives on early responsibility, and eager to see how projects come together.
Physical Requirements This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field settings. In the office, expect extended sitting at a computer with repetitive tasks like typing and phone use. In the field, be prepared for prolonged standing/walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, kneeling, crouching, crawling in tight spaces, and occasionally lifting 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for plans, inspections, and on-site communication. Adapt to outdoor weather, site dress codes, PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots), and occasional travel or non-standard hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.Pay Range: $25 – $37 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible).Benefits Package
- Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx — Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
- Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
- 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
- Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
- Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
- Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program.
Why JH Kelly?At JH Kelly, you’re joining a family-oriented team with a legacy of excellence and a passion for innovation. Based in Boise, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge mechanical projects, collaborating with seasoned pros in a supportive culture that rewards initiative and growth.How to Apply Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us why you’re excited to learn field engineering, how you stay organized under pressure, and what draws you to mechanical construction at JH Kelly.
JH Kelly