A project engineer is someone who is in charge of overseeing projects from beginning to end. They ensure that the project they are working on goes smoothly and is completed on schedule, and on budget. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Project Engineers.

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Main Responsibilities of Project Engineer

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Project Engineer:

Adapt

Adapt plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges.

Administer

Administer subcontracts as assigned.

Advise

Advise on technical design and best practices.

Align

Align stakeholders and ensure action closure as well as document approval on-time.

Analyze

• Analyze and prepare appropriation requests.

• Analyze test results, document risks, and recommend countermeasures to uncovered risks.

• Analyze to verify there are no conflicts between disciplines.

Assign

• Assign project-specific performance objectives to project team members as required.

• Assign responsibilities and mentor project team.

• Assign responsibilities and builds schedules based on project specifications.

Assist in / Assist with

• Assist communication pertaining to specific assignments or meetings.

• Assist developing work plans and JHA's (Job Hazard Analysis) and Pre-Task Planning.

• Assist Factory Acceptance Testing as required.

• Assist in authoring regulatory submissions and presenting work to multiple regulatory agencies.

• Assist in determining schedule and budget requirements.

• Assist in development of meeting minutes.

• Assist in material inspection, lab.

• Assist in partition and ceiling layout.

• Assist in the development of standard work for all CSPS activities.

• Assist in the implementation of HITT's corporate safety program and apply it on the jobsite.

• Assist in the management of the plant s Environmental Programs.

• Assist in training / mentoring of Project Engineer Interns.

• Assist / Manage workplans, post plans and pre-plan process.

• Assist Project Accountant with monthly subcontractor billings and pay applications.

• Assist Project Manager / Owner in getting grading permits, building permits, etc. for the project.

• Assist project managers and clients in establishing budgets, cost estimates, and project schedules.

• Assist Project Manager with distribution and follow-up of paperwork.

• Assist the maintenance contract sighing and CCR.

• Assist the Project Manager with submitting bids, RFIs, QA, Estimating and pre-bid meetings.

• Assist with construction of parks, green belts and open spaces.

• Assist with cost estimations and technical documentation for proposals.

• Assist with developing capital improvement and operating budgets.

• Assist with field change notices / requests, extra work orders and back charge notices.

• Assist with or supervise project specific field work as necessary.

• Assist with permit acquisition and pre-demolition survey.

• Assist with plant administration work; and prepares permanent project related reference material.

• Assist with project scheduling as needed.

• Assist with the design and installation of Broadcast Media Solutions internationally.

• Assist with training of junior staff.

Assume

• Assume responsibility and communicate effectively with all internal and external customers.

• Assume responsibility for the fiscal performance of a project with oversight of Project Manager.

Attend

• Attend and document project meetings (write meeting minutes).

• Attend meetings with clients and promote positive client contact with current or prospective clients.

• Attend or possibly lead incident investigations as required.

• Attend process improvement projects.

• Attend scope review meetings.

• Attend weekly Product Care meetings to learn about product issues.

Carry out

• Carry out all responsibilities with an internal / external customer focus.

• Carry out individual research and finish assigned work on time.

Close

Close interaction with functional safety.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place.

• Collaborate with Product Managers, Psychologists, and Scrum Masters.

Communicate

• Communicate in a variety of mediums.

• Communicate observations and information to Project Engineer and Government Personnel.

• Communicate project status to Kiewit management as required.

Complete

• Complete all required safety reports when directed.

• Complete the design activities and procurement in a timely manner and within the defined cost.

Conduct

• Conduct construction observations and prepare reports.

• Conduct engineering projects through all phases of development by performing the following duties.

• Conduct plant assessments to identify asset deficiencies.

Contribute to

• Contribute fully as an active team member and ensure personal and team objectives are achieved.

• Contribute to contractual management.

• Contribute to shutdown plans.

• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

• Contribute to the development of the Bridge Structure Team.

• Contribute willingly and incorporates the ideas of others.

Control

Control project plan by reviewing design, specifications, and adhering to the plan and schedule.

Coordinate

• Coordinate all shop drawings, processing submittals, and gathering and distributing information.

• Coordinate and develop programmatic engineering plans.

• Coordinate and / or provide training / communication sessions.

• Coordinate and supports development of project cost estimates.

• Coordinate design tasks of various cognizant engineers if needed.

• Coordinate Engineering Work Packages (EWP) to support facilities construction projects.

• Coordinate project change order management, creation, negotiation between Project Manager and Owner.

• Co-ordinate R&D team feedback during pre-sales customer engagements and review statements of work.

• Coordinate the build and troubleshooting of early production builds (alpha & beta units).

• Coordinate to collect project status from discipline leads including review comments and resolutions.

• Coordinate with vendors, mechanical / electrical trades on project scope and delivery.

• Coordinate work procedures with superintendent, crew, and subcontractors.

Create

• Create activity and resource plans to support flexibility strategies and reporting.

• Create and maintainsinformation linkages to related artifacts.

• Create and maintains the project directory.

• Create and present formal presentations as per project requirements and customer needs.

• Create and respond to Requests for Information (RFI).

• Create conceptual designs for both complete packaging systems as well as individual mechanisms.

• Create detailed layout criteria for equipment facilities.

• Create detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets.

• Create detailed shop drawings and material packages.

• Create detailed written project proposals for presentation to the client Project Approval Committee.

• Create or assist in weekly meeting agenda and deliver, MPR, QF Reports, and Project Cash Flow.

• Create or assists in the creation of detailed bid packages for contractors & equipment vendors.

• Create project information sheet and distribute to PM and project team.

• Create schedules, milestones, budgets for technical activities.

• Create site-specific work plans.

• Create the Statement of Work for each development phase of the project.

Define

• Define and maintains all drawing and work flow documentation of Plant operations.

• Define production data requirements & lead implementation of data collection.

Delegate

Delegate and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Design

• Design and develop automation for assigned projects.

• Design and develop Single Line Diagrams, Schematics, Wiring diagrams for Battery storage systems.

• Design and implement complex automation systems components and architectures.

• Design control system networks and control panels.

• Design philosophy and critical design aspects, supported by experience working on design projects.

• Design portions of a project using relevant office software, modeling and Civil 3D technology.

• Design services for fueling facilities and remediation of systems per regulatory requirements.

• Design mechanical systems for commercial and institutional buildings.

• Design Tools / Fixtures for use in Production process.

Determine

• Determine and allocates project resources in accordance with guidelines.

• Determine and stays within budget.

• Determine project risks, defines corrective actions, and drives projects to closure.

• Determine project specifications by client requirements, and performance standards.

Develop

• Develop and maintains engineering and equipment design standards and principles.

• Develop and manage consultant and construction contracts.

• Develop and manage tasks related to engineering, construction and completion of projects.

• Develop design data and associated analysis demonstrating compliance with airworthiness requirements.

• Develop his / her business network.

• Develop / improve classified processing capability to perform analytic assessments.

• Develop, integrates, and updates new processes, products, and standardizations.

• Develop material takeoffs and write requisitions.

• Develop project objectives, schedule and budget.

• Develop, reviews, and understands engineering drawings that include equipment recommendations.

• Develop schedules, coordinate and manage low complexity projects of with little to no supervision.

• Develop subsurface data acquisition programs.

Distribute

• Distribute all documents to subcontractors and maintain document logs.

• Distribute copies of design drawings and documents to project management team and subcontractors.

Document

• Document agreements and commitments.

• Document verbal agreements / conversations with subcontractors, owners, architects, etc..

Draft

Draft purchase orders and change orders to subcontractors.

Drive

• Drive and about 20 minutes from downtown Edmonton.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in all aspects of our business.

• Drive Micro Critical Path progress issues identified and tasked to bring to a solution.

• Drive standardization and serve as a technical liaison between the manufacturing plants.

Engage

• Engage in internal company projects as needed.

• Engage in work sequence planning.

Ensure

• Ensure appropriate technical support to certification bodies to obtain the necessary certifications.

• Ensure compliance of ISO and lean manufacturing.

• Ensure consistency in project quality.

• Ensure customer and internal commitments are being met.

• Ensure design documents are maintained through project life-cycle for turn over.

• Ensure designs meet production drawings, factory acceptance testing.

• Ensure engineering specifications and procedures are used and followed.

• Ensure Lessons Learned and best practices are applied on projects.

• Ensure process design quality and design change.

• Ensure procurement activities in line with project milestones.

• Ensure project construction work follow customer and company EHS policy.

• Ensure projects are delivered successfully, on-time, and within budget.

• Ensure quantities are updated for monthly financials.

• Ensure that operating representation is available for PHRs.

• Ensure the project delivers a quality product meeting Penhall's high-quality standards.

• Ensure the sustainable and responsible development of the unit.

Escalate

Escalate issues to management in a timely manner.

Establish

• Establish and develop relationships with international clients in the local market.

• Establish clear priorities.

• Establish deadlines, develop goals, and determine production standards for the department.

• Establish the project scope, define implementation strategies & risks and present business cases.

• Establish working relationships with project groups.

Estimate

Estimate and track project budgets and timelines.

Evaluate

• Evaluate, adapt and improve standards, techniques and procedures.

• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies.

• Evaluate engineering test results for possible application to development of systems or other uses.

Execute

• Execute corrective action as required.

• Execute ergonomic project deliverables and follow work plans.

Expand

• Expand as appropriate the Q / A checks performed.

• Expand existing business through relationship development with owner representatives of the projects.

Facilitate

Facilitate communications between the office and field.

Follow

• Follow direction from senior staff, and direct the work of junior staff.

• Follow project front end loading process and identify project phases and design requirements.

• Follow the Canadian Electrical Code.

• Follow the financial situation budget of the projects.

• Follow the financial situation of the projects and help in justifying projects.

• Follow the financial situation of the projects and help in rationalizing projects.

• Follow written, verbal and / or diagrammatic instructions.

Generate

• Generate and maintain a fully integrated NPI project schedule.

• Generate cost estimates for updates and additions to existing plans.

• Generate reports based on review and test data.

• Generate and drafts Proposed Board Actions (PBA).

• Generate RFIs applicable to duties.

Give

• Give direction to supporting personnel such as Engineers, Designers, and Technicians.

• Give presentations to customers, suppliers and internally within the organization.

Identify

• Identify, analyze and respond to project risks.

• Identify and manage project risks and contingency plans, budget, deliverables, and project changes.

• Identify, communicate and develop business opportunities.

• Identify communication plans for knowledge sharing across functional areas and project teams.

• Identify process improvement strategies and implement design specifications.

• Identify process issues and recommend improvements to senior leaders.

Implement

• Implement corrective measures for all HSI issues that are not compliant to requirements.

• Implement new tools and document processes in line with the team continuous improvement initiatives.

• Implement corrective measures issues that are not compliant to requirements.

• Implement subsequent corrective action through the change management system.

Initiate

Initiate and develop engineering drawings and engineering work packages.

Input

Input Engineering tracking requests.

Integrate

Integrate continuous improvement and safety culture in all aspects of the job.

Interact with

• Interact with and present project designs to clients, agencies, and the public.

• Interface with vendors, review vendor bids, conduct technical evaluations and make recommendations.

• Interface with with vendors to get the correct quality and spec machines.

Interpret

• Interpret and apply design codes.

• Interpret applicable codes and regulations and instructs Company and / or Industry personnel.

Investigate

Investigate root causes of failures to maintain quality and recommend improvements.

Lead

• Lead and participate in regular design development and project status meetings with the client.

• Lead by example to promote a high-performance team culture.

• Lead manufacturing process planning.

• Lead scope / requirement discussions with technical teams and customer.

• Lead the development of the engineering plans and schedules.

• Lead the team in identifying non-cap alternatives or lower capital options.

• Lead the tracking of project milestones and financial deadlines.

• Lead Subcontractors Technical delivery to meet committed Project Schedule.

• Lead the project quality process.

• Lead up to 3 junior engineers.

Liaise with

• Liaise with the Manager / Project Manager to obtain the vision / goal for small scale projects.

• Liaise with clients, municipal approving authorities and contractors, as needed.

• Liaise with industry professionals in preparing construction documents for new construction.

• Liaise with other engineering disciplines, and staff responsible for design coordination.

Maintain

• Maintain a collaborative and informational-based relationship with customer counterparts.

• Maintain all commissioning and checkout documentation per company policies and procedures.

• Maintain all QA / QC documentation, maintains records of all testing and inspections.

• Maintain and distribute project plans.

• Maintain and leverages client relationships and develops new project opportunities.

• Maintain budgetary, scheduling, and project milestone oversight and report regularly to stakeholders.

• Maintain budgets and cost projections.

• Maintain detailed daily reports and cost monitoring to ensure adherence to deadlines and schedules.

• Maintain document control log.

• Maintain project information in PM software.

• Maintain project schedule and budget by monitoring project progress.

• Maintain the plant CAD drawing library.

Make

• Make recommendation for practical resolution and path forward.

• Make site visits to collect information and coordinate future dewatering works with clients.

Manage

• Manage airport improvements from the concept phase through design and construction phases.

• Manage all technical requirements documentations.

• Manage and conduct testing of Energy Efficiency Verification of refrigeration appliances.

• Manage assigned projects to meet designated timelines.

• Manage equipment selection, modification, and design.

• Manage improvement / modifications to be performed.

• Manage internal and external project resources.

• Manage Lean manufacturing initiatives.

• Manage own and team workload to ensure agreed deadlines are achieved.

• Manage project costs through the ongoing evaluation of labor, material and equipment.

• Manage projects throughout the fabrication process, occasionally including onsite installation.

• Manage quality control procedures for field installation of materials and equipment.

• Manage requirements gathering for data profiling and data governance.

• Manage safety initiatives and act as advocate for a safe workplace.

• Manage and interact with employees on the team.

• Manage multiple projects to successful completion.

• Manage sourcing and deliveries from suppliers for fabrication of tools / fixtures and equipment.

• Manage the client relationship to obtain follow-on business for SNC-Lavalin.

• Manage the interfaces with other systems.

• Manage the preparation of the construction contract documents and specifications.

• Manage tool maintenance and repair activities, ensuring continuity of supply during downtime.

• Manage, track and report on project status (project estimating, scheduling, risk management).

• Manage tracking long-lead items.

Meet with

• Meet with contractors and municipal building inspectors.

• Meet with suppliers, analyze proposals and make recommendations on the solution choices.

Monitor

• Monitor and / or manage project document control.

• Monitor appointment times and pre-empt apps running late.

• Monitor contractor performance as to cost and schedule performance tracking.

• Monitor cost accruals and review with the Project manager on a regular basis.

• Monitor daily, weekly and monthly labor, equipment, material and subtrade costs.

• Monitor project progress and report project performance status (cost and schedule earned values).

Oversee

• Oversee and approve all aspects of design and installation, scheduling, and capital funds.

• Oversee equipment run off & commissioning.

• Oversee project schedules, cost controls, and project tracking / milestones.

• Oversee completeness and accuracy of project team's work.

• Oversee design activities for the Hot Cell Remote Handling and the Radwaste process.

• Oversee installation, operation, maintenance and repair of all aspects of a large automated system.

Participate in

• Participate in installations and final sell off of training devices.

• Participate in PHRs for both studies and execution projects.

• Participate in the installation of process equipment, if necessary, train employees in their use.

• Participate in networking events and business development meetings.

Perform

• Perform ad hoc assignments as requested.

• Perform and / or approve engineering calculations and designs.

• Perform contract negotiation.

• Perform contract reviews.

• Perform engineering tasks to define and validate system requirements.

• Perform field work and technical research.

• Perform integration, testing, and troubleshooting processing for 800xA system upgrades.

• Perform other duties as directed.

• Perform other duties as required by supervisor.

• Perform physical testing of electrical / mechanical equipment and record using test instrumentation.

• Perform project planning and performance tracking tasks.

• Perform quality analysis on manufacturing processes and lead process improvements.

• Perform review of other engineering products.

Plan

• Plan, budget, oversee and document all aspects of the specific projects.

• Plan plant internal logistics equipment and layout.

Prepare

• Prepare and critically evaluate contractor bid packages, outside consultants, and equipment vendors.

• Prepare and maintain an accurate Change Order Log and Costing Program.

• Prepare and manage submittals & RFI's.

• Prepare and monitor work packages, including labor and cost estimates.

• Prepare electrical designs, calculations and bills of material.

• Prepare HSE documentation for AFE submission and aid in preparation of AFE and APC's.

• Prepare meeting agendas, chair meetings and take minutes.

• Prepare project documentation as per regulatory requirements to both THG and industry standards.

• Prepare project reports for management, client, or others.

• Prepare proposal documentation for assigned bids in accordance with Bid Management direction.

• Prepare proposals, feasibility studies, and functional service reports.

• Prepare specifications and scope of work.

• Prepare / Reviews approval, permit, and installation drawings using AutoCAD.

• Prepare scopes, budgets, and schedules for assignments.

• Prepare written communication.

• Prepare technical reports.

• Prepare Work Order Requests as per the established process, procedures and protocols.

Present

• Present comprehensive updates at project team meetings and documents outcomes.

• Present engineering deliverables and designs to internal and external stakeholders.

Process

Process for all project management work flows.

Produce

Produce work instructions.

Provide

• Provide commissioning / startup support for controls projects.

• Provide design inputs and reviews of other engineers' projects.

• Provide formwork details for field implementation.

• Provide Operational oversight of new construction.

• Provide project risk analysis and policy support in the domain of information assurance.

• Provide prompt and accurate response to production floor's questions.

• Provide quality management reviews by ensuring corporate policies are followed and documented.

• Provide regular communication regarding status, concerns, etc..

• Provide support for the various IT tools used for general environmental support.

• Provide support to the Project Managers.

• Provide technical documentation for the engineering projects.

• Provide technical leadership and direction on movable bridge projects.

• Provide technical leadership for product development and engineering changes.

• Provide technical support to construction management team and coordinators by visiting.

• Provide timely feedback to team members about his / her performance.

• Provide training and start-up activities of new equipment and processes.

• Provide updates to the project schedule as needed for company and client reporting.

Read

• Read and understand common industry and customer compression specifications.

• Read and understand plans and specifications.

Recommend

Recommend appropriate system for the application within expressed constraints.

Represent

• Represent engineering on all technical matters during the bid phase of the project life cycle.

• Represent, as required, the project at project meetings with the client.

• Represent the Wastewater Services Division in departmental projects.

Review

• Review and assemble submittals and quantity surveys for Project Manager.

• Review bids with Land Department.

• Review client's needs and give counsel on technical solutions.

• Review contractor as-build drawings, research RFIs and review submittals.

• Review daily quantities and generate master / field files.

• Review design work against design requirements.

• Review drawings and develop scopes of work.

• Review new issue drawings and contract documents for change of conditions.

• Review new products and technology by attending seminars and workshops.

• Review of project documentation prior to issue for accuracy, completeness and presentation.

• Review of project documentation when consultants are utilized.

• Review project designs for accuracy, feasibility, and budgeting purposes.

• Review status reports prepared by project personnel and modify schedules or plans as required.

• Review supplier human resources and risk management plans.

Schedule

Schedule and coordinate hardware and software integration phase.

Set

• Set agenda and lead project meetings, including preparation of meeting minutes.

• Set priorities, allocate tasks, and coordinate project staff to meet project targets and milestones.

• Set up and maintain Silverstrand project filing system.

Stay current on

• Stay current on client site standards and safety requirements.

• Stay current on new technologies and changes in the industry.

Supervise

• Supervise small teams of engineers and designers.

• Supervise the installation of engineering projects pursuant to project requirements.

Support

• Support contracts and the project superintendent.

• Support daily Operation meetings.

• Support emergency response activities including environmental standards, requirements and practices.

• Support External Departments as Needed 20%.

• Support front end proposal development as well.

• Support governance / tracking for change and risk management.

• Support Information Management ensuring records are appropriately tracked and filed.

• Support management in cost of work estimates and drafting of proposals.

• Support plant commissioning activities with occasional travel to critical sites.

• Support proactive change management processes.

• Support project and product planning efforts.

• Support project decisions regarding Quality Assurance from project initiation through final delivery.

• Support the Environmental Specialist in permitting and regulatory planning including.

• Support the identification and prequalification of subcontractors.

• Support the project design and facilitate technical reviews.

• Support updates to the various scope tracking systems.

• Support with CAPA activities and track Customer Complaint Investigation records in Trackwise System.

Take

• Take ownership in coordinating the technical group's review of project documents.

• Take ownership of engineering problems, seeing them through to resolution.

Track

• Track and burn down KPIs for SOC and other milestones.

• Track and report on progress of project to management.

• Track construction progress and update status weekly.

• Track, document and update the budget as well as manage changes or out-of scope items.

• Track job costs and labor / equipment productivity.

Train

• Train and aid his subordinates in their proposal development.

• Train and mentor junior team members.

Transfer

Transfer knowledge through acting as a role model, coaching and mentoring.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot technical issues as they arrive.

Understand

• Understand and ensure that are Client expectations are met or exceeded.

• Understand construction standards and requirements for high voltage line work.

• Understand Project Management tools and methodologies.

• Understand Intellectual Property (IP) issues relative to processes being developed.

• Understand project schedules and budgets.

• Understand the importance of outstanding customer service.

• Understand what generates revenue and makes profit.

Update

Update the project procurement schedule on a weekly basis from superintendent.

Utilize

Utilize Continuous Improvement or related tools and support plant CI efforts.

Verify

Verify and act upon the remarks of the Client / Certifying Body.

Work with

• Work on qualifying second sources after initial ramp.

• Work protection and work permits.

• Work with a minimum of instructions and complete tasks independently.

• Work with compliance and technical support to create an effective commissioning or validation plan.

• Work with each department to supply deliverable dates or times for each key project milestone.

• Work with functional team to anticipate and solve problems.

• Work with the Project Team, liaising between project operations and the corporate office.

• Work with the sustainability team to develop utility conservation and utility monitoring strategies.

Write

• Write and executes Engineering / Validation protocols including URS, FAT, SAT, IQ,OQ,PQ.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Project Engineer:

1. Project Management

2. MS Excel

3. Autocad

4. Design

5. Mechanical Engineering

6. Civil Engineering

7. MS Word

8. Mechanical

9. Project Engineering

10. Electrical Engineering

11. Construction Management

12. MS Powerpoint

13. MS Project

14. Manufacturing

15. Microsoft Office

16. Outlook

17. Valid Driver'S License

18. Manufacturing Environment

19. Safety

20. Solidworks

21. Operations

22. Software Development

23. Commissioning

24. Process Engineering

25. SAP

26. Scheduling

27. Technical Writing

28. PMP

29. Procurement

30. Aerospace

31. Automation

32. Management

33. Validation

34. Computers

35. Microstation

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Project Engineer:

1. Written and oral communication skills

2. Interpersonal skills

3. Organizational capacity

4. Problem-solving attitude

5. Leadership

6. Analytical ability

7. Attention to detail

8. Time-management

9. Team player

10. Self-motivated

11. Organized

12. Work independently with little direction

13. Detail-oriented

14. Presentation

15. Teamwork

16. Multi-task

17. Ability to manage multiple tasks

18. Collaborative

19. Proactive

20. Work ethic

21. Autonomous

22. Planning

23. Self-starter

24. Creative

25. Innovation

26. Commitment

27. Enthusiastic

28. Decision-making skills

29. Relationship

30. Energetic