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What is an engineering project specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Bijan Shapoorian,
Brian Denton Ph.D.

Engineering Project Specialists create and manage development budgets and purchase-to-pay activities in collaboration with program managers, global commodities managers, and the finance team. They collaborate closely with engineering design teams to develop, structure and release the Bill of Materials containing part numbers, engineering change orders, and technical drawings and documents. An Engineering Project Specialist's principal responsibility is to manage the project's progress till completion. In addition, they work with contractors, suppliers, and all other stakeholders to complete any project in due time.

You must possess a sound knowledge of configuration management and bill of materials (BOM) to be an engineering project specialist. Apart from this, you must be proficient in Excel or Numbers and open to new software applications. Communication skills and capabilities in critical thinking and problem-solving are equally important for the role. Not only this but multitasking and prioritization skills combined with attention to detail attracts prospective employers. A bachelor's degree in engineering is required to work as an engineering project manager. Engineering Project Specialists earn between $50,879 to $76,576 yearly.

What general advice would you give to an engineering project specialist?

Bijan Shapoorian

Adjunct Professor, The University of Texas at Arlington

In most Construction Management programs, Internship courses prepares the students for the job market and the industry. Those CM students who have obtained a degree in CM but lack work experience are recommended to search for internship opportunities if finding employment becomes a challenge. Students are advised to be flexible and willing to relocate to geographical areas with higher demand for this profession.
ScoreEngineering Project SpecialistUS Average
Salary
7.8

Avg. Salary $107,780

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%

Asian 11.88%

Black or African American 3.01%

Hispanic or Latino 8.54%

Unknown 4.62%

White 71.79%

Gender

female 31.14%

male 68.86%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Engineering project specialist career paths

Key steps to become an engineering project specialist

  1. Explore engineering project specialist education requirements

    Most common engineering project specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.6 %

    Associate

    15.9 %

    Master's

    9.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific engineering project specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management21.60%
    Program Management12.03%
    BOM8.77%
    Part Numbers7.54%
    Engineering Design3.34%
  3. Complete relevant engineering project specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New engineering project specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an engineering project specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real engineering project specialist resumes.
  4. Research engineering project specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Lead a cross-function team to participate plant-wide ERP system launch; establish the prototype electrical operations and maintenance activities evaluation system.
    • Lead ISO auditor for Dril-Quip subsea suppliers.
    • Lead a cross-function team to participate plant-wide ERP system launch; establish the prototype electrical operations and maintenance activities evaluation system.
    • Work perform utilizing PMI methodologies.
  5. Prepare your engineering project specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your engineering project specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an engineering project specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable engineering project specialist resume templates

    Build a professional engineering project specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your engineering project specialist resume.
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
    Engineering Project Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for engineering project specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an engineering project specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first engineering project specialist job

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Average engineering project specialist salary

The average engineering project specialist salary in the United States is $107,780 per year or $52 per hour. Engineering project specialist salaries range between $70,000 and $164,000 per year.

Average engineering project specialist salary
$107,780 Yearly
$51.82 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do engineering project specialists rate their job?

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Engineering project specialist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Being able to solve technical problems and manage staff for work


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Working on new engineering challenges everyday

Cons

Feaisble and regulation do not always work together.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

The logic and precision required as well as the ability to create something


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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