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Engineering

Project Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering projects from conception to completion. This role combines technical expertise with project management skills to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Project Engineers communicate with team members, clients, and contractors, and are often involved in problem-solving, risk assessment, and progress reporting. They may work in various sectors including construction, civil engineering, manufacturing, or energy. Daily tasks can include preparing technical drawings or specifications, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Project Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Project Engineers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £48,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of £55,000.

Job Availability

There were over 12,000 job postings for Project Engineers across the UK in 2023, with demand in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.

Growth Outlook

Engineering UK estimates a need for 124,000 engineers and technicians annually through to 2030, indicating strong prospects for Project Engineers.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Civil Project Engineer

Focuses on managing and overseeing construction projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

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Mechanical Project Engineer

Responsible for leading projects related to mechanical systems, such as manufacturing equipment, heating and ventilation, or automotive engineering.

Electrical Project Engineer

Specialises in coordinating projects involving electrical systems, such as power distribution, renewable energy installations, or control systems.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSE results, particularly in maths, science, and technology subjects.

Strong performance in maths and science at GCSE level will help you access further study options. Consider taking engineering or design technology if your school offers it, as this will provide a foundation for future studies and demonstrate your interest in the field.

Pursue A-Levels or Equivalent

Take A-levels in maths, physics, and possibly further maths or a technology subject, or pursue a relevant Level 3 BTEC qualification.

A-levels in maths and physics are usually required for engineering degrees. Alternatively, a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering can be a suitable route. Both paths will help you progress to higher education or an advanced apprenticeship.

Obtain a Degree or Higher Apprenticeship

Complete a university degree in engineering or a related subject, or undertake a relevant higher or degree apprenticeship.

Typical degrees include civil, mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering. Degree apprenticeships combine paid work with study at university and can be a great way to gain practical experience alongside your qualification. Accredited courses are preferred by employers and professional bodies.

Build Practical Experience

Undertake Work Placements or Internships

Gain hands-on experience through placements or internships during your studies.

Many university engineering courses offer or require a placement year in industry. These placements provide valuable insight into real-world engineering projects and help you develop key skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management. Summer internships are also helpful for building your CV.

Start in a Graduate or Junior Engineer Role

Apply for graduate schemes or entry-level engineering positions to develop your skills in a professional setting.

Graduate schemes are structured programmes offered by large engineering firms and provide training in various aspects of engineering projects. Junior engineer roles in smaller companies can also offer broad experience and the chance to take on responsibility early in your career.

Progress to Project Engineer

Develop Project Management Skills

Take on more responsibility and learn key project management techniques and tools.

As you gain experience, you may be given the chance to coordinate small projects or aspects of larger projects. Seek out opportunities to lead meetings, manage schedules, and oversee budgets. Consider studying for a professional project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or APM.

Apply for Project Engineer Positions

Look for Project Engineer roles where you can coordinate and deliver engineering projects.

Project Engineer vacancies can be found in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Highlight your technical expertise, teamwork, and project management experience in applications. Professional registration with the Engineering Council (such as Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer status) can boost your prospects.

🎯 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

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Sample Qualifications

A Project Engineer typically oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of engineering projects, which is similar to the responsibilities of a Civil Engineer involved in construction and infrastructure projects. Both roles require technical expertise, project management skills, and the ability to work within budgets and timelines in engineering fields.

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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