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Engineering

Project Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Project Engineer is responsible for overseeing technical projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This role involves coordinating with different teams, managing resources, and solving any technical issues that arise during a project. Project Engineers often work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and technology. Typical tasks include developing project plans, monitoring progress, liaising with clients and contractors, and making sure health and safety standards are maintained throughout the project. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills are important for success in this career.

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 Openings

There are over 7,000 Project Engineer vacancies advertised annually across the UK, spanning industries such as construction, energy, and manufacturing.

Typical Working Hours

Project Engineers usually work standard office hours, around 37 to 40 hours per week, although overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Mechanical Project Engineer

Focuses on managing and overseeing engineering projects specifically related to mechanical systems, such as heating and ventilation in buildings or machinery installation.

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Construction Project Engineer

Specialises in planning, coordinating, and supervising construction projects, ensuring that all technical aspects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.

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Electrical Project Engineer

Works on projects involving electrical systems, such as power generation, distribution, or installation of electrical networks in buildings or infrastructure.

Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Achieve Good GCSEs and A-levels

Focus on achieving high grades in Maths, Science, and Technology subjects at GCSE and A-level.

Project engineering roles often require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are developed through Maths and Science. Take A-levels in subjects like Physics, Mathematics, or Design and Technology to keep your options open for relevant university degrees or apprenticeships.

Pursue a Relevant University Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for an engineering degree such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering, or look for higher or degree apprenticeships in engineering.

Most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. Degree apprenticeships combine practical work experience with academic study and can be a direct route into engineering project roles.

Gain Practical Experience

Undertake Industrial Placements or Work Experience

Seek internships, work placements, or summer jobs with engineering firms during your studies.

Gaining hands-on experience will help you understand the demands of the industry and develop practical skills. Many university courses offer sandwich years or short-term placements as part of the curriculum. These can also help you build a professional network.

Develop Technical and Project Management Skills

Work on developing your skills in areas such as project planning, budgeting, and the use of engineering software.

Project Engineers need a combination of technical expertise and management abilities. Learn to use industry-standard software like AutoCAD, MS Project, or Primavera. Take part in team projects and extracurricular activities to enhance your leadership and organisational skills.

Begin Your Professional Career

Apply for Graduate Engineer or Junior Project Engineer Roles

Start your career in entry-level positions and look for roles that involve supporting project delivery.

Graduate schemes or junior roles in engineering firms often provide structured training and mentorship. These positions allow you to learn from experienced professionals and gradually take on more responsibility within project teams.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Aim to become a registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) through a professional body such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Professional registration demonstrates technical competence and commitment to the engineering profession. Work with your employer to record your experience and progress towards these qualifications, which can help you advance to more senior project engineering roles.

🎯 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 and a Civil Engineer both typically require strong technical knowledge, project management skills, and the ability to oversee engineering projects from inception to completion. The roles often involve coordinating teams, ensuring compliance with standards, and managing resources on construction or infrastructure projects.

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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