Project engineer
Use your engineering expertise to manage and deliver technical projects.
Also known as: engineering coordinator, project engineering specialist
 
 About the job
What it's like
Do you have what it takes to lead a team of engineers and technicians as they deliver a project? In this role, you’ll use your expertise to manage technical projects from start to finish.
As a project engineer, you’ll plan and coordinate the work of engineers and technicians. You’ll oversee the work and use your know-how to steer clear of potential risks. Think of yourself as a project manager that specialises in engineering!
You’ll be the voice of a project’s technical department. This means you’ll give updates to senior managers and other people with an interest in the project.
In this job, you could work across many different industries. A project engineer usually has qualifications, experience, or both, in a particular area of engineering. For example, an electrical engineer may become a project engineer for a company that delivers large-scale electrical projects.
Your tasks might include:
- turning projects into clear, workable plans – this includes scheduling, defining key milestones and anticipating setbacks 
- reviewing and approving engineering drawings or technical documents 
- making sure designs meet client specifications, standards and safety requirements 
- tracking costs, reviewing invoices and identifying any areas that may run over budget 
- handling procurement and making sure you have all the materials you need to keep the project moving 
- producing weekly or monthly progress reports to share with management and clients 
Green job
In this job, you may do work that supports the environment. You could:
- use sustainable materials for your project 
- identify opportunities where you can use energy-efficient systems – this could include LED lighting or insulation 
- develop a waste-management plan that everyone uses on site 
- work in clean energy – managing projects in wind, solar, tidal energy or green hydrogen 
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
- Tomorrow's Engineers – learn about engineering careers and pathways 
- Association for Project Management (APM) – learn more about APM accreditation, which you may need for some project engineering roles 
- Randstad UK – discover what it’s like to work as a project engineer 
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-  Construction and built environment 
-  Engineering and manufacturing 
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- understanding
- building relationships
- verbal communication
- analysing
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- developing a plan
- making decisions
 
 Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-  Maths (Mathematics) 
-  Physics 
-  Engineering Science 
-  Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering 
-  Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive 
-  Skills for Work: Engineering Skills 
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most project engineers in Scotland have a degree. But you can also get into this line of work through an apprenticeship.
Generally, you’ll need a combination of qualifications and experience to become a project engineer. Most have spent time in a mechanical, civil or electrical engineering role.
People tend to move into a project engineer position once they’ve built experience in another engineering-based role.
Here are all the routes you can take to get into an engineering career.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
- Civil Engineering 
- Structural Engineering 
- Mechanical Engineering 
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering 
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering 
- Engineering 
- Energy Engineering 
- Mechatronics 
- Robotics 
- Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering 
- Project Management or Industrial Engineering 
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
- Civil Engineering 
- Mechanical Engineering 
- Engineering Systems 
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Systems 
- Electronic or Electrical Engineering 
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
- Engineering Construction 
- Engineering: Technical Support 
- Engineering: Manufacturing and Fabrication 
- Engineering: Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance 
- Engineering and Digital Manufacturing 
- Construction: Civil Engineering 
- Construction: Technical 
- Construction: Specialist 
- Gas Engineering 
- Electrical Installation 
Explore MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but will also attend uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Work
Already working as an engineer? If so, you’re in a strong position to become a project engineer or assistant project engineer.
To help your application stand out, you could start demonstrating your management skills at work. You can do this by:
- volunteering to coordinate small projects 
- taking ownership of procurement during a project 
- leading client updates and progress meetings 
- helping with budget tracking 
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
- It’s handy if you have experience using tools like Microsoft Project, Excel or Primavera – these platforms are often used to manage project schedules. 
- Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an engineer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland. 
