What does a Project Engineer do daily?

I'm considering engineering and have heard about project engineers. I'm curious about their daily tasks and responsibilities. Do they mostly work on-site or in an office? What skills and qualifications should I aim for?

Project Engineers often serve as the key link between the project team and stakeholders, involving the design, execution, and completion of projects to a specified standard. Their tasks and duties range widely from day to day, but a significant part of their role involves planning and coordinating activities, ensuring that projects are being executed on time, within budget, and to the requisite quality standards.

They will generally work in an office, but depending on the nature and the stage of the project, they might also work on-site. This can involve site visits for coordination and direction alignment as well as troubleshooting or providing direction for any unique challenges that may arise.

A typical day could involve making phone calls or sending emails to key stakeholders, reviewing project blueprints, attending meetings to discuss progress and feedback, as well as overlooking the ongoing work to ensure all safety protocols and quality standards are met.

As for qualifications, a minimum requirement is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Depending on the industry, different majors such as Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering could be more favored.

Key skills include strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills since a large part of the job involves coordinating with stakeholders and team members, and good knowledge of project management principles.

One beneficial qualification in this field could be a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent. This emphasizes your ability to oversee various aspects of a project, including budgeting, time management, and quality assurance.

Finally, one can garner valuable experience through internships or entry-level positions in the engineering field. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also helps you network with people in the industry, which can be valuable down the line.