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Engineering project managers and project engineers schedule, manage and oversee engineering projects for quality of work, timeliness and completion within budget, plan, design and specify materials and equipment for the project and create necessary technical drawings.

Main tasks

  • Ensures that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards.
  • Records, monitors and reports progress.
  • Identifies defects in work and proposes corrections.
  • Regularly inspects and monitors progress and quality of work, ensures legal requirements are met.
  • Plans work schedules for engineering projects based on prior discussion with client and contractors.
  • Assembles information for invoicing at the end of projects.
  • Briefs project team, contractors and suppliers.
  • Draws up budgets and timescales for new engineering projects based on clients’ requirements.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£88,637.65

Average earnings

£58,633.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 1 0%
Level 2 3%
Level 3 23%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 13%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 32%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 25%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 3%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.