Principal Inspector at Parsons in New York, NY

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

As a Principal Inspector, you will provide advanced-level field inspection on heavy construction projects, ensuring that all work is performed in accordance with contract documents, applicable codes, and safety/environmental regulations. You will serve as a technical lead in the field, overseeing and guiding a team of inspectors, and functioning as a key liaison between Parsons, the client, contractors, and other stakeholders.

You will be responsible for planning and performing complex inspections, resolving nonconformances, validating quantities and payments, and contributing to project safety, quality, and schedule adherence. This role is ideal for a seasoned construction inspector who is comfortable leading others, working independently in the field, and making sound technical and judgment-based decisions.

What You’ll Be Doing

· Conduct inspection and testing activities to verify work conforms to contract plans, specifications, standards, and applicable codes.

· Monitor and review contractor progress, quantities, pay applications, and contractual changes; 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.

· 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.

· Conduct surveys, field studies, and site investigations to support design, construction, and closeout activities.

· 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.

What Required Skills You’ll Bring

· 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.

· Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, drawings, and specifications.

· 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:

o Climbing ladders and accessing work at elevations.

o Working in confined spaces.

o 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.

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring

· 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.

Security Clearance Requirement: None

This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.

For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people’s quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers’ visions—and to help them see what's next!

Salary Range: $49.76 - $87.07

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.