In the fast-paced world of construction management, two key figures stand at the helm, orchestrating the resources, timelines, and stakeholders: the construction project engineer and the project manager.
While both professionals play critical roles in the successful completion of construction projects, their responsibilities, skill sets and areas of expertise differ in numerous ways.
These two roles share many similarities, and their differences complement each other to ensure every detail of each project is executed with precision. When considering a career in construction management, it is important to learn the distinguishing factors between the two roles to decide which path may be correct for you. Below, we will explore the job functionalities of a construction project engineer and construction manager, and where their job functions overlap and differ
What is a Construction Project Engineer?
Project engineers oversee all hands-on aspects and the tangible outcome of a construction project. They guide site workers and solve on-site problems and document and record project progress.
What Does a Project Engineer Do?
A project engineer’s workday takes place almost exclusively on-site and focuses on the technical aspects of projects. In a typical project engineer job description, you may find various hands-on tasks including:
- Quickly identifying and creatively resolving project issues
- Conducting on-site training and managing front-line workers face-to-face
- Working with project managers and company executives to procure the resources necessary for successful project completion
- Overseeing HR, resource management and quality control sectors
Project engineers make the most out of the resources they are given and ensure the time-efficient, high-quality delivery of a finished product. They are integral to the fulfillment of a client’s vision for any project.
What is a Construction Project Manager?
Construction project managers primarily tackle the business aspects of construction projects. They tend to work primarily in the office rather than on-site, as they frequently manage more than one project at a time, making it challenging to be on-site at projects.
What Do Project Managers Do?
Project managers lead on the high-level view of construction jobs, managing administrative and logistical details to ensure the work on the ground can run smoothly. A construction project manager’s job description consists of numerous unique responsibilities. On a broad scale, project managers are generally responsible for:
- Budgeting for the project and obtaining resources
- Keeping projects on schedule and making sure a business’s commercial goals are met through the construction
- Assisting in the hiring of the construction crew
- Working on the legal side of a project by overseeing contracts and permits
- Communicating directly with clients as an interim about the status of a project
Project managers ensure the final product of a project will be profitable. Through tactical budget management and a strong business mindset, project managers secure the corporate success of a client’s vision for a project.
Project Engineer vs. Project Manager: Overlap and Distinctions
The most significant difference between a project engineer and a project manager is their areas of focus. Where an engineer directs the on-site , hands-on operations of a project, a project manager leads in the high-level, business and logistical side of construction projects.
The skill sets for each job vary slightly. Project engineers use technical skills, like design and software expertise, to see a project through. Project managers utilize budgeting, scheduling and attention to detail to be successful on their end.
Each position evaluates project problems, innovates solutions and aims to ensure the quality and success of a project. Both project engineers and project managers are essential to the success of any construction project.
Achieve a Fulfilling Career as Project Engineer or Project Manager with a Master’s Degree in Construction Management
Whether the role of a construction project engineer or project manager piques your interest, earning a master’s degree in construction management will equip you with the advanced skills needed to lead in either career.
Vanderbilt School of Engineering’s master of engineering in civil engineering with a concentration in construction management program educates future engineers on the latest developments in construction technology and advanced management principles. View our program page to learn more about how Vanderbilt School of Engineering can help you leverage a career full of impact in construction management.
Interested in learning more about a career in construction management? Explore our resource, Is Engineering & Construction a Good Career Path?
