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Special project engineer vs project engineer

The differences between special project engineers and project engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a special project engineer and a project engineer. Additionally, a project engineer has an average salary of $75,050, which is higher than the $70,934 average annual salary of a special project engineer.

The top three skills for a special project engineer include DOD, design changes and engineering support. The most important skills for a project engineer are project management, autocad, and construction management.

Special project engineer vs project engineer overview

Special Project EngineerProject Engineer
Yearly salary$70,934$75,050
Hourly rate$34.10$36.08
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs90,999176,689
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

What does a special project engineer do?

A special project engineer is in-charged in the preparation, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring of engineering projects. He/She or she should be able to establish good relationships with prospective clients to gain information on engineering requirements and delegate tasks to staff. The core skills that a special project engineer should possess include good creative ability and excellent mechanical and listening skills. Other requirements to qualify for the position include a college degree in business or mechanical engineering.

What does a project engineer do?

A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.

Special project engineer vs project engineer salary

Special project engineers and project engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Project EngineerProject Engineer
Average salary$70,934$75,050
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $95,000Between $55,000 And $100,000
Highest paying CityNewark, CARichmond, CA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandWashington
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industryHospitalityEnergy

Differences between special project engineer and project engineer education

There are a few differences between a special project engineer and a project engineer in terms of educational background:

Special Project EngineerProject Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorBusinessMechanical Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Special project engineer vs project engineer demographics

Here are the differences between special project engineers' and project engineers' demographics:

Special Project EngineerProject Engineer
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 65.9% Female, 34.1%Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 3.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.5% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between special project engineer and project engineer duties and responsibilities

Special project engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage a database for storage of CNC machining programs and engineering drawings.
  • Manage several industrial production building HVAC equipment replacement projects.
  • Develop software to automate generation of engineering drawings and BOM.
  • Manage custom product design & generate all require documentation for both customer and manufacturing groups using AutoCAD rel.
  • Implement cost reduction strategies through aggressive RFP and bidding processes while optimizing distribution processes and maintaining excellent customer service standards.
  • Perform basic setup of fanuc control CNC machines.
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Project engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage TCP/IP LAN environment for the time during implementation.
  • Support and manage the development of a CNC base electron beam drill.
  • Lead a MGPP six sigma project to improve the accuracy of 3D clutch cooling analysis
  • Manage the BHP enterprise wide migration from e-rooms to SharePoint for document management and team collaboration.
  • Manage the installation of a CNC laser cutting system with full responsibility for all aspects of the project.
  • Coordinate and manage activities of the 787-9 IPT's to complete the specific aircraft side of the test cells.
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Special project engineer vs project engineer skills

Common special project engineer skills
  • DOD, 10%
  • Design Changes, 10%
  • Engineering Support, 10%
  • R, 8%
  • Prototype, 7%
  • CAD, 6%
Common project engineer skills
  • Project Management, 12%
  • Autocad, 7%
  • Construction Management, 6%
  • CAD, 4%
  • UL, 4%
  • Cost Estimates, 3%

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