Engineer Job Description

What is the job description of an Engineer? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Engineer? What does an Engineer do?

Job description of an Engineer

An Engineer performs a variety of professional engineering duties in the subject department; provides design, oversight, and administration of various engineering projects; evaluates and reviews engineering changes; ensures work quality and adherence to specifications; and performs related duties as assigned.

This Engineer job description example includes the list of most important Engineer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Engineer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Engineer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; evaluates proposed changes to approved plans and specifications.
  • Reviews construction design plans to evaluate potential construction problems; monitors construction project expenditures.
  • Utilizes a variety of engineering programs and application including CADD.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering design and construction.
  • Discusses and coordinates engineering design or construction project activities with design engineering staff and other affected engineering personnel.
  • Daily Reports, monthly and final completion reports, contract modifications negotiations, field and design engineering changes, and correspondence with the contractor on fulfillment of requirements.
  • Maintains awareness of progress on assigned engineering design or construction projects to ensure compliance with designated time and cost schedules.
  • Provides assistance to inspectors in the interpretation of plans and resolution of problems during construction.
  • Conducts field inspections; ensures compliance with specifications.
  • Performs a variety of professional engineering duties related to the subject department. Duties may include preparing engineering specifications, preliminary cost estimates, engineering drawings, sketches, calculations and analyses.
  • Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence on project matters including Inspector’s
  • Prepares engineering designs, specifications, costs and quantity estimates for engineering construction projects; prepares and/or reviews the adequacy and accuracy of computations.
  • Assists in the establishment of schedules and methods for providing engineering project oversight services; responsible for the verification of quantities of materials and adherence to specifications; may recommend resources to be allocated.
  • Recommends approval of and submits contractor’s progress payment applications; performs audits of contractor and suppliers to ensure adherence to established policies procedures.

Engineer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Engineer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in the relevant Engineering discipline.
  • A completed apprenticeship or similar experience is recommended.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Practical experience using CAD software may be required.
  • Ability to follow instructions and to collaborate with others.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Engineer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Engineer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Engineer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.