Principal Inspector

About the role

Parsons is a leader in designing and delivering critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities worldwide. This role is part of our Critical Infrastructure team, where you'll work in collaborative teams to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced-level field inspection on heavy construction projects, ensuring work complies with contract documents, codes, and regulations.
• Serve as a technical lead in the field, overseeing and guiding a team of inspectors, and acting as a key liaison between Parsons, the client, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Plan and perform complex inspections, resolve nonconformances, validate quantities and payments, and contribute to project safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Conduct inspection and testing activities to verify work conforms to contract plans, specifications, standards, and applicable codes.
• Maintain active communication with owner and contractor field staff, serving as a primary field point of contact as required.
• Verify equipment alignment and balancing operations, documenting findings and ensuring compliance with project requirements.
• Support review and reconciliation of bid quantities on a regular basis.
• Apply and enforce state and federal safety and environmental guidelines and regulations related to construction field assignments.
• Perform and document inspections of subcontractor work, including materials, methods, and workmanship.
• Complete final, comprehensive inspections; provide written and verbal feedback and report results to engineers and project management.
• Develop and recommend job safety practices; draft safety reports and participate in safety meetings and audits.
• Document nonconformance conditions, determine or recommend appropriate resolutions, and follow through on corrective actions.
• Manage, direct, and guide a field team of inspectors (as applicable); may lead a team in technical job duties and assignments.
• Respond to after-hours call-backs in case of emergencies or critical issues at the project site.
• Support preparation of construction records, inspection reports, daily diaries, and photo documentation.
• Support review of progress pay estimates and extra work bills for accuracy and conformance with contract requirements.
• Perform other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or an Associate’s Degree in a technical-discipline, or construction related field
• 15+ years of related experience in heavy construction projects, with increasing levels of responsibility in inspection and field oversight
• Advanced knowledge of public works contracts and construction-related processes, particularly for heavy construction projects
• Strong familiarity with current construction methods, materials, equipment, standards, specifications, and terminology
• Effective math skills, including advanced knowledge and experience with engineering calculations, graphs, and charts
• Advanced proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), project management software, and internet research tools
• Proven ability to conduct inspections/tests of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance
• Advanced command of English grammar and composition for clear, accurate report writing
• Thorough understanding of construction scheduling concepts and their application in the field
• Ability to review, validate, and support preparation of progress pay estimates and extra work bills
• Advanced organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload and handle multiple tasks efficiently
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information
• Ability to recognize hazardous work conditions in the field and act quickly to remediate or escalate issues
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines and project milestones
• Demonstrated ability to serve in a lead capacity, guiding others in technical aspects of work and providing mentorship to junior inspectors
• Ability to interpret complex information and effectively communicate findings and recommendations to engineers, managers, and clients
• Thorough knowledge of workplace safety standards and regulations applicable to construction environments
• Physical ability to perform field work, including: Climbing ladders and accessing work at elevations, Working in confined spaces, Lifting up to 50 lbs (e.g., materials for testing concrete, asphalt concrete, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and ability to work cohesively with diverse project teams

Desired Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience in transportation and/or heavy civil infrastructure projects (tunnelling, bridges, structures, etc.)
• Prior experience leading or coordinating inspection teams on complex construction projects
• Familiarity with Tunnelling agency standards and processes (if applicable to the project)
• Licenses & Certifications: Certification in Tunnel Construction, Tunnel Design, and/or Tunnel Surveys is desired. Additional construction inspection, quality control, or safety certifications (e.g., NICET, ACI, ATSSA, OSHA outreach) are a plus
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and between project sites, as required