What Does a Project Engineer Do?
A project engineer is responsible for managing the technical and engineering elements of a project to ensure successful completion. They apply engineering expertise to project planning, execution, and monitoring, working with designs, materials, and processes to meet specifications. Project engineers often oversee site operations, coordinate subcontractors or vendors, and ensure that technical requirements are fulfilled on time and within budget.
Beyond technical execution, a project engineer collaborates with project managers, architects, contractors, and clients to align project objectives with engineering standards and safety regulations. They prepare reports, track progress, and troubleshoot issues that arise during development. Their work bridges the gap between engineering and project management, balancing technical accuracy with efficient delivery.
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Project Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Develop and review engineering plans, specifications, and budgets
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and clients
- Oversee site operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations
- Track progress and prepare technical and status reports
- Manage equipment, materials, and vendor resources
- Troubleshoot technical issues and implement solutions
- Ensure projects meet quality, safety, and performance standards
- Support process improvement and efficiency initiatives
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in engineering principles and project management practices
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documents
- Knowledge of safety standards, codes, and regulatory compliance
- Familiarity with CAD software and project management tools
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Organizational and multitasking abilities
- Attention to detail and technical accuracy
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial, or related engineering field required
Certifications
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) recommended
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification recommended
- Professional Engineer (PE) license is desirable for senior roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–5 years of engineering experience in construction, manufacturing, or related industries
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and vendors
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices
National Average Salary
Project engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Project Engineer is:
$83,290
Sample Job Description Templates for Project Engineers
Entry-Level Project Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level project engineer to support project planning and execution by assisting with technical documentation, site coordination, and vendor communication. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in managing technical aspects of projects.
Responsibilities
- Assist in reviewing engineering drawings, plans, and specifications
- Support project managers with scheduling and documentation
- Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams on project tasks
- Perform site inspections and ensure compliance with safety protocols
- Track project progress and prepare status updates
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting under supervision
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of engineering principles and project workflows
- Familiarity with CAD software and project management tools
- Understanding of safety standards and regulatory requirements
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
- Organizational and multitasking skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or related engineering field required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in engineering or construction projects
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification
Junior Project Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior project engineer to coordinate technical tasks and assist in managing small-scale engineering projects. This role requires foundational engineering experience and the ability to contribute independently while supporting senior engineers.
Responsibilities
- Review and update project documentation and technical reports
- Monitor project schedules and budgets under supervision
- Support procurement of materials and coordination with vendors
- Conduct quality checks and ensure adherence to engineering standards
- Assist with resolving technical issues during project execution
- Communicate progress and updates to stakeholders
Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of engineering design principles and project documentation
- Ability to analyze technical drawings and specifications
- Proficiency with CAD software and reporting tools
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and analytical mindset
- Effective communication with cross-functional teams
- Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of engineering or project support experience
- EIT certification or progress toward professional licensure
Mid-Level Project Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level project engineer to independently manage technical aspects of projects and ensure deliverables meet quality, budget, and timeline requirements. This role requires the ability to balance hands-on engineering with project coordination.
Responsibilities
- Develop and review engineering plans, specifications, and budgets
- Oversee site operations and ensure safety compliance
- Manage vendor relationships, procurement, and material inspections
- Track project progress and provide detailed reports to leadership
- Identify risks and recommend technical solutions to resolve challenges
- Coordinate across departments to align engineering and project goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of engineering practices, codes, and standards
- Proficiency with CAD, scheduling, and project management tools
- Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of engineering or project experience
- PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification recommended
- EIT certification; PE license in progress preferred
Senior Project Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior project engineer to lead technical project execution, supervise junior engineers, and ensure compliance with all engineering and regulatory requirements. This role requires advanced experience and the ability to manage complex technical projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead project engineering teams and mentor junior staff
- Oversee large-scale engineering projects from planning to completion
- Review and approve technical drawings, reports, and budgets
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
- Manage stakeholder communications and present updates to leadership
- Drive process improvements and implement new engineering solutions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of engineering design, analysis, and compliance standards
- Strong project management and leadership skills
- Proficiency in advanced CAD, modeling, and engineering software
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities
- Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
- Excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of engineering and project experience
- Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred
- PMP certification desirable
Lead Project Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead project engineer to provide technical direction, oversee engineering execution, and coordinate multiple project teams. This role balances leadership responsibilities with advanced technical expertise.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate engineering work across multiple projects
- Approve project plans, technical specifications, and compliance reports
- Provide technical leadership in resolving complex engineering challenges
- Mentor engineers and support their professional development
- Collaborate with executives on long-term project strategy
- Ensure projects meet performance, quality, and safety standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of engineering practices and project delivery methods
- Expertise in resource allocation, scheduling, and compliance frameworks
- Strong knowledge of risk management and cost control practices
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- Strategic thinking and planning abilities
- Excellent communication with executives and stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of engineering and project leadership experience
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
- PMP or PgMP certification
Principal Project Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a principal project engineer to serve as the highest-level technical authority on engineering projects. This role is responsible for setting engineering standards, leading enterprise-level initiatives, and ensuring projects align with organizational strategy.
Responsibilities
- Define engineering standards, policies, and best practices for projects
- Provide expert technical guidance to executives and project leaders
- Oversee complex, high-value, or enterprise-scale engineering projects
- Lead research and innovation initiatives to improve engineering practices
- Represent engineering interests in executive and client meetings
- Mentor senior and lead engineers to build organizational capability
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in engineering design, compliance, and project leadership
- Strong financial and strategic planning skills for large-scale projects
- Advanced proficiency in engineering and project management software
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and vision
- Strong negotiation and client relationship skills
- Ability to influence organizational strategy through technical expertise
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or PhD in engineering preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 12–15 years of engineering and project leadership experience
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required
- PMP or PgMP certification is highly desirable