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Engineering

Project Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Project Engineer is responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing engineering projects from conception to completion. They work closely with design teams, contractors, and clients to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required technical standards. The role often involves managing technical issues, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and reporting on project performance. Project Engineers need strong problem-solving skills, the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams, and a good understanding of engineering principles. They are commonly found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

Project Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Project Engineers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.

Job Market

There are over 19,000 Project Engineer positions advertised annually in the UK across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.

Typical Working Hours

Project Engineers usually work 37 to 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime required to meet project deadlines.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Civil Project Engineer

Specialises in managing and overseeing construction and infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.

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Mechanical Project Engineer

Focuses on the planning and coordination of mechanical engineering projects, including machinery installations and manufacturing processes.

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Electrical Project Engineer

Manages projects related to electrical systems, such as power distribution, renewable energy installations, and building wiring.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSEs, especially in Mathematics, Science, and English.

Most engineering courses require at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9, including Maths and Science. These subjects provide the foundation needed for further technical study. Aim for high grades to keep your options open for A-levels or vocational courses.

Study A-Levels or Equivalent

Take A-levels in Mathematics and a Science subject, or study a relevant BTEC National Diploma.

A-levels in Maths and Physics are highly valued for entry into engineering degree programmes. Alternatively, a BTEC in Engineering can provide a more practical route. Check university or apprenticeship requirements as they can vary.

Obtain a Degree or Apprenticeship

Enroll in an engineering degree (such as Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical) or complete a higher apprenticeship.

Many Project Engineers have a degree accredited by a professional engineering institution. Degree apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with academic study and can be a valuable alternative to full-time university.

Develop Practical Experience

Complete Work Placements or Internships

Gain hands-on experience in engineering environments through placements or internships.

Many degree courses offer a year in industry or summer internships. These opportunities help you apply theoretical knowledge, develop teamwork skills, and make valuable contacts. Look for placements with engineering consultancy firms, construction companies, or manufacturers.

Start in a Graduate or Entry-Level Role

Begin your career as a junior engineer, site engineer, or assistant project engineer.

Entry-level roles allow you to build technical and project management skills under the supervision of experienced engineers. Take part in different stages of projects to broaden your understanding of the project lifecycle.

Advance to Project Engineer

Gain Professional Accreditation

Work towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Professional registration with bodies like the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) boosts your credibility. This usually involves completing a period of Initial Professional Development and demonstrating your competence.

Apply for Project Engineer Positions

Seek opportunities to move into a Project Engineer role, taking on more responsibility for planning and delivery.

As a Project Engineer, you will coordinate teams, manage resources, and ensure that projects meet quality standards and deadlines. Continue developing your leadership and communication skills, as these are essential for success in this role.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Project Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Project Engineer and a Civil Engineer both typically oversee the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects, ensuring technical standards are met and project deadlines are achieved. Both roles require strong project management skills, technical expertise, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

  • transport engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • coastal and maritime engineering

You can search for accredited courses through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after university.

You can also do further study for a postgraduate master's qualification in civil engineering, if you've got a degree in a related subject like maths, science or geology.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could take a course at college, which might help you to get work as a trainee civil engineer, or to apply for further study at university.

Subjects include:

  • civil engineering
  • maths, physics or geography
  • construction and the built environment

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Civil Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with an engineering or construction company.

This takes around 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could work as a civil engineering technician and study on the job for a degree or apprenticeship.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. Employers may also look for 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can learn more about how to become a civil engineer from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

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