The process of planning, coordinating, and overseeing the completion of a construction project is known as construction project engineering. Because each construction project is unique, the tasks involved in this process are constantly changing. On one project, the project engineer may be responsible for budgeting and estimating, while on another, he may be responsible for land surveys and inspections. To accommodate this shift in responsibilities, the project engineer must be adaptable and willing to go above and beyond.
Project engineers (PEs) are those who work in construction project engineering positions. It’s crucial that this title isn’t mixed up with that of a Professional Engineer. A Professional Engineer is a person who holds a master’s degree in engineering and is licensed to practice engineering in their state. A construction project engineer, on the other hand, may not have any prior engineering experience and instead focuses on construction management rather than design.
Problem solving is a big part of what a construction project engineer does on a daily basis. Due to the rarity of a project going according to plan, the PE is usually in charge of evaluating issues as they arise and coordinating with project owners, architects, and subcontractors to develop a solution. Throughout this process, the PE must stay on budget and on schedule while ensuring that the project is built according to the blueprints. Preparing payment requisitions, reviewing invoices, writing contracts, and procuring materials and equipment are all responsibilities of the project engineer.
People who work in construction project engineering have traditionally worked in the building trades. They were promoted to project engineer positions after gaining experience in the field. Contractors are increasingly hiring project engineers with undergraduate degrees in construction management, engineering, or business as construction has become more technical and complex. General contractors, subcontractors, and municipalities are the most common employers of construction project engineers.
Project engineers, along with the project manager and superintendent, usually work as a team. From the office, the project manager oversees the project, while the superintendent oversees and coordinates activities on the job site. The project engineer assists both of the individuals and, depending on the size of the project, may work as part of a team with other PEs. On many projects, the PE is in charge of the job’s day-to-day operations while reporting to a project manager who helps keep the budget and schedule on track. The project engineer may be promoted to project management after several years of progressive experience.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in construction project engineering can improve their chances of success by honing both technical and management skills. A thorough understanding of the construction process, including installation, materials, and methods, is required to oversee construction activities and spot potential problems. The project engineer’s knowledge of complex building systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing is especially important. Analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with other members of the project team, can all help project engineers.