What does a planning engineer do?
Usually working in an office environment as part of a team but also working individually on occasion, planning engineers oversee the operation of a particular project along with the project manager. The largest projects are typically carried out on behalf of oil companies, construction companies, governments and the rail network.
Planning engineers are responsible for working out a sequence of activities that are required to complete a project and linking them all together, using the resources to the best possible effect. The technical side is important to the work of a planning engineer, who ensures that the project is completed to the highest possible standard and within deadline, avoiding any unnecessary delays. Other typical duties include understanding the scope of the project, presenting the schedule of work to others, developing detailed yet simple to understand schedules and graphs, using specialist computer software to keep the project on course, and monitoring the progress of the project at different stages.
Interestingly, the gender ratio in the job is one of the more balanced within the engineering sector, and the position may be particularly suitable for women who don’t want to be involved with working on site.