what is a project engineer?
This job lets you combine multiple skills into a single, in-demand career. Project engineers are an essential part of the process from idea creation to implementation. You start with a basic goal like "produce a new machine component" and then determine the steps that make this possible. In your role as a project engineer, you determine the scope of the project and figure out which specific goals you have to fulfill to finish the project. You then assemble a team, gather materials and equipment, and instruct your coworkers.
Project engineers often provide technical expertise like designing systems. They also offer managerial oversight. You coordinate your entire team, file any necessary paperwork with other departments, and provide progress reports to your superiors. This career is ideal if you enjoy working independently and solving problems. A project engineer typically works in an engineering industry such as manufacturing or product design. However, some project engineers are also involved in fields like architecture or construction. You have the option of specializing in all sorts of exciting industries like aerospace manufacturing or wind energy.
Would working as a project engineer suit your analytical and organizational skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a project engineer role.
view jobs near youaverage project engineer salary
Taking on larger projects often leads to a higher salary. A project engineer working to design basic items at a small company will make less. Meanwhile, a project engineer handling a years-long project for an international business tends to make more. Project engineers often get these higher-paying jobs after years of experience and a history of past successes.
Would you like to know what a project engineer earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a project engineer? Then check out this project engineer salary page and find out all about the salary of a project engineer in the USA.
types of project engineer
Project engineers are divided into types based on what they do. Here are some of the most common types of project engineers.
- civil project engineers: You work in fields related to human living and city design. Your job might include civil engineer tasks like working on stoplights or designing a new shopping mall.
- manufacturing project engineers: You work in industrial settings and help companies design both products and the equipment used to build products.
- scientific project engineer: You assist with research in a scientific setting. Your job might include things like testing a new prescription drug or building equipment for a study.
- architectural project engineer: You help to build new buildings. Some project engineers will oversee building entire homes while others will oversee individual tasks like site selection.
working as a project engineer
When you work as a project engineer, the workplace is never dull. You get to manage a variety of tasks and work in all sorts of intriguing locations.
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project engineer job description
The job description for this role is very broad. Essentially, you need to be able to do anything necessary to take a project from an idea to a reality. One day you might be working in AutoCAD, and the next you're mediating a dispute between two coworkers. Some of the many aspects of a project engineer job include:
- meet with management to discuss concepts and report on progress
- hire qualified workers who fit the needs of the project
- determine a schedule that allows your team to meet deadlines while staying under budget
- shop around for supplies to find affordable, reliable materials for the project
- hold regular meetings with team members to keep everyone on track
- stay fully updated on industry and government regulations and make sure the project meets these requirements
- assist with individual aspects of the project such as designing a building or coding software
- keep full documentation of all the work you do and properly file all essential data
- assign tasks to workers based on their skills and personality
- set up a job site and secure the necessary equipment to handle the job
- communicate with contractors and vendors to coordinate project tasks
- resolve any issues, disputes, or emergencies in a timely manner
- handle payroll and keep track of hours worked by individual employees
- ensure all employees follow workplace safety standards
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project engineer work environment
Because your job includes so many different tasks, it's common to visit a lot of different environments. Much of your work is done in an office setting. You'll spend a lot of your time sitting at a desk or conference table. Some project engineers even work remotely and perform part of their job from a home office. However, it's also normal to spend some time driving around and visiting different job sites. A manufacturing project engineer ends up on the factory floor sometimes while an architectural project engineer has to occasionally go to the construction site.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the employer and industry you work in, your colleagues might include cloud engineers, DevOps developers, or management analysts. You can also work in close proximity to administrative assistants and machine operators. Some project engineers will work with other specialists, including, but not limited to urban designers, research scientists, or robotics engineers. You need to be comfortable working with everyone from part-time manual laborers to upper management.
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work schedule
As a job with a lot of responsibility and a high salary, it's no surprise that most project engineers work long hours. The typical project engineer tends to work a full-time job, and some overtime is also common. For many projects, you'll need to be the first person to arrive and the last one out the door. There are time periods when your workday is shorter, but as deadlines approach, expect to work longer. Your schedule varies depending on the industry you are in and the project you are working on. Some jobs require unconventional schedules like night shifts or weekend work. Often, part of your job is handling unexpected issues, so you might have to answer work calls outside of your usual schedule.
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job outlook for project engineer
If you become a project engineer, you have a bright outlook. The BLS predicts that the project engineer job market will grow by 7% in the next decade. With 70,400 new job openings projected for each year, there are plenty of exciting job opportunities to apply for. There is an especially high demand for project engineers in technical fields like computer systems design and information technology. There are also quite a few promotional opportunities for project engineers looking to advance their careers. Many project engineers go on to become project managers who handle large departments and complex tasks. Your skills also allow you to branch out into other fields. Some project engineers decide to work as lead architects or developers on other projects, and some transition to upper management positions.
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benefits of working for randstad as a project engineer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a project engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
project engineer skills and education
The main requirement for any project engineer job is a college degree. Employers almost always require their project engineers to have either an associate's or bachelor's degree. In rare cases, you may be able to substitute years of experience in your field for a degree. However, these jobs are less and less common. To be as competitive as possible in your field, you need a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Some jobs are fine with you having a degree in any field, but most will have degree specifications.
You usually need a degree that is relevant to the industry you want to work in. For example, a project engineer at a software company might need a degree in computer science. Popular degrees for project engineers include engineering, architecture, construction management, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering. Project managers also need experience with handling projects in their desired industry. Most jobs require around five to 10 years of industry experience. You may be able to skip these requirements if you have a certification in project engineering. To get certifications, you usually have to take additional classes that explain all the concepts behind project engineering.
skills and competencies
This job is a great fit for multifaceted individuals with a broad blend of skills. Depending on the job you take, you'll need one or more of these types of skills.
- communication skills: You must be able to explain concepts clearly and easily, and you need to be comfortable motivating others to finish work.
- technical skills: The exact skills you need vary based on your industry. You might need the ability to work with certain software or understand how to use specific types of specialized equipment.
- time management skills: Your time management skills are an essential part of being successful. You have to break projects into small, manageable blocks of time and ensure that things are finished by their deadlines.
- financial skills: As a project manager, you're in charge of the budget. You need to be able to keep track of expenses and avoid overspending.
- organizational skills: Expect to spend a huge part of your day organizing things. You have to keep track of people, paperwork, schedules, and more.
- problem-solving skills: You need to be comfortable working under pressure. Good project engineers can tackle big problems and find ways to solve a variety of issues.
FAQs about working as a project engineer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about project engineers.
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how are project engineers and project managers different?
Especially in smaller companies, there is quite a lot of overlap between these two jobs. However, a project manager is a little more focused on the big picture. Project engineers handle practicalities and day-to-day decisions while project managers oversee broader concepts. If you work at a business with both roles, the project manager will supervise the project engineer.
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do you have to be an engineer to be a project engineer?
Many project engineering jobs are specifically for those who have trained as engineers. However, there are occasionally some jobs where an engineering background isn't required. Especially in science research, medicine, and software fields, many project engineers do not have an engineering degree.
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what certifications should project engineers get?
Not all jobs will require certifications, so you should check positions in your desired industry to see if certifications are required. Some popular certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), and Engineer in Training (EIT) certifications.
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is it hard to be a project engineer?
Getting the education and experience you need to become a project engineer is fairly straightforward. With the right background, you'll find that the job is a lot easier to manage. It is a very complex and fast-paced field, so the best project managers tend to be individuals who are highly organized and love a challenge.
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do project engineers have to travel a lot?
The majority of project engineers don't need to travel. They usually stay in the same city and just need to move between departments or job sites. However, if you like to travel, there are some jobs that offer that opportunity. Especially if you work for a business with a lot of locations, you might have the chance to travel around the country.
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how do I find a job as a project engineer?
Applying for a project engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our project engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
