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What is a project management engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.,
Brian Denton Ph.D.

A project management engineer, or a project engineer, is in charge of planning and coordinating the processes and plans of projects. This is to ensure they are completed within budget and on time. Their duties are dependent on the industry, company, or project. However, they meet with the client to clarify and ensure adherence to requirements. Project management engineers delegate responsibilities to ensure the efficient completion of projects. Also, they manage budgets when necessary.

Most project management engineers have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field with four or more years of experience. Having relevant certifications is a plus. You may also be required to have a professional engineer license. Essential skills include communication, leadership, problem-solving, analytical, and time management skills. These professionals earn around $86,405 per annum. Their salary varies from $53,000 to $140,000.

What general advice would you give to a project management engineer?

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.Nicole Jones Young Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College

Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.
ScoreProject Management EngineerUS Average
Salary
6.3

Avg. Salary $80,337

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 12.38%

Black or African American 4.77%

Hispanic or Latino 11.71%

Unknown 3.95%

White 67.02%

Gender

female 18.59%

male 81.41%

Age - 41
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 - 41
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Project management engineer career paths

Key steps to become a project management engineer

  1. Explore project management engineer education requirements

    Most common project management engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.9 %

    Master's

    15.3 %

    Associate

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific project management engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management21.64%
    Management System4.09%
    HVAC4.04%
    Capital Projects3.53%
    Infrastructure3.49%
  3. Complete relevant project management engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New project management engineers 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 a project management engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real project management engineer resumes.
  4. Research project management engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Linux/Apache server configuration for company version control and bug tracking, creating PHP/MySQL database on server for product specification library.
    • Coordinate HVAC sales, build, delivery, installation, and start up with contractors.
    • Create various drawings for new and existing floor plans, equipment layout, HVAC, electrical layout.
    • Develop, organize and execute SDLC projects to improve safety, quality and/or productivity throughout several processes in a warehouse environment.
  5. Prepare your project management engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project management engineer 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 a project management engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable project management engineer resume templates

    Build a professional project management engineer 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 project management engineer resume.
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
    Project Management Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for project management engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a project management engineer 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 project management engineer job

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Average project management engineer salary

The average project management engineer salary in the United States is $80,337 per year or $39 per hour. Project management engineer salaries range between $55,000 and $116,000 per year.

Average project management engineer salary
$80,337 Yearly
$38.62 hourly

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How do project management engineers rate their job?

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Project management engineer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.


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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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