Job Description
A Project Engineer plans, schedules, coordinates, and manages the engineering and technical aspects of projects to complete them. They also develop the criteria by which the success of the project will be measured. That includes inspection guidelines, review of project designs, and the implementation of project elements. Forecasting is also a significant aspect of a Project Engineer’s duties.
Project Engineers frequently interact with clients and stakeholders to interpret their needs and represent them in the field. They must also communicate effectively with Project Managers to provide assistance and technical support. Project Engineers are responsible for the accuracy and quality of a project from the conception phase to completion.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and monitor engineering projects
- Ensure projects meet all codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards, and specifications
- Represent clients and stakeholders in the field to make sure projects meet their needs
- Lead overall quality control of the work, including budgeting, scheduling, planning, and personnel performance
- Report regularly on project status
- Mentor project team
- Communicate effectively with the Project Manager and other project participants
- Review engineering deliverables and take corrective actions, if needed
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer job candidates with a master’s degree or Ph.D. for specific positions or career advancement. Many companies also require a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Skills and Competencies
- Analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Project management and supervision skills
- Skill in working with process engineering and computer-assisted design (CAD) software
- Demonstrated ability in solving highly technical problems
- Advanced knowledge of production machinery and processes
- Expertise in computer technology and systems operations
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Project Engineer with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $64,000
- Tampa, Florida: $64,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $66,000
- Miami, Florida: $70,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $69,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $73,000
- Houston, Texas: $76,000
- Los Angeles, California: $75,000
- New York City, New York: $73,000
- Seattle, Washington: $75,000
- Overall: $69,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $94,000
- Tampa, Florida: $95,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $93,000
- Miami, Florida: $96,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $96,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $93,000
- Houston, Texas: $96,000
- Los Angeles, California: $95,000
- New York City, New York: $96,000
- Seattle, Washington: $96,000
- Overall: $95,000
Similar Job Titles
- Field Engineer
- Construction Project Engineer
- Cost Engineer
- Lead Engineer
- Principal Engineer
Career Path
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer a master’s degree or Ph.D. for certain jobs or career advancement. Many companies also require a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which requires a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, on-the-job experience, and a passing score on the Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination. Successful Project Engineers can advance into management and executive positions, or more responsible technical jobs such as Program Manager or Chief Engineer.
Position Trends
According to the industry website Interesting Engineering, one trend that will affect all engineering sectors in the near future, including Project Engineering, is the increasing use of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are impacting the metrics by which factories’ productivity is measured. Another growing trend in engineering is the use of renewable energy. An estimated 19 percent of power in the U.S. will come from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower in 2020, and renewable energy technology should become even more popular. This trend should lead to new battery technology as well as advances in power grid management.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Industrial Engineering field is expected to grow by eight percent between 2018 and 2028. That’s faster than average.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours for a Project Engineer are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- Engineering.com
- Engineering Jobs
- National Society of Professional Engineers
Are You Interested in Becoming a Project Engineer?
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