Project Engineer Cultural Projects

About SIRIS

SIRIS is a CVE-verified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in construction management, project management, and commissioning services for federal, healthcare, and institutional clients nationwide.

We partner with organizations delivering mission-critical infrastructure where safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance are essential. Our teams bring technical expertise, disciplined execution, and collaborative leadership to every project.

At SIRIS, we believe strong teams are built on accountability, humility, and the courage to lead when challenges arise.

Position Summary

SIRIS is seeking an early-career Project Engineer to serve as an Owners Representative to support 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. This individual will participate in site visits, monitor construction progress, review project documents, help identify potential issues, and prepare reports to support project execution.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of experience in construction, engineering, or project coordination and is interested in developing their technical and project management skills while supporting complex federal and historic preservation projects.

Who Will Succeed in This Role

The successful candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and eager to continue developing their construction and project engineering experience. They have a foundational understanding of construction practices, drawings, specifications, and project documentation.

This individual is comfortable working in an active construction environment, communicating with different project stakeholders, and learning from experienced project managers and technical professionals. They are proactive, dependable, and able to recognize when an issue needs to be documented or elevated to senior team members.

Experience with federal construction, renovations, cultural facilities, or historic preservation is beneficial but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring construction activities to evaluate 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 project 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 the 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 while communicating concerns to senior SIRIS project staff.
• Develop familiarity with applicable construction standards, building codes, safety requirements, and historic preservation practices relevant to Smithsonian facilities.

Project Considerations

Given that the work takes place within Smithsonian Institution facilities, many of which are historically significant, the project team must consider the following:

• Maintaining the safety of Museum staff, visitors, contractors, and project personnel.
• Minimizing disruption to ongoing Museum operations and public access.
• Protecting historic architectural features, original materials, and existing building systems throughout construction.
• Identifying and documenting unforeseen existing conditions, concealed systems, and potential construction conflicts.
• Coordinating contractor access, system shutdowns, and construction activities within occupied facilities.
• Maintaining clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout construction.
• Maintaining accurate documentation of field observations, construction activities, and existing conditions.
• Complying with applicable federal regulations, building codes, Smithsonian standards, project requirements, and historic preservation guidelines.

Education & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline preferred.

Certifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction certification preferred.
• Additional construction, safety, or project management certifications are a plus but not required.

Experience

·        Minimum of two (2) 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 experience supporting construction projects 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.
• Experience with federal construction, historic preservation, or cultural facilities is a plus, but not required.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work full-time in an onsite capacity in the Washington, DC area.
• Ability to travel between Smithsonian facilities and active construction sites as project needs require.
• 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.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position requires work in both indoor and outdoor construction environments, including active construction sites and occupied institutional facilities.

The role may require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and navigating uneven surfaces. Occasional access to elevated areas or confined spaces may be necessary, depending on project requirements.

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: SIRIS pays 99% of the individual base plan premium and 50% of dependent coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Company match up to 4%.
• Paid Time Off: PTO and paid holidays.
• Annual Bonus Eligibility: Based on individual and company performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SIRIS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and federal contractor. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.