What is the role of a planning engineer?
Planning engineers are critical to several industries because practically every organization and company needs expert planners. Their primary focus is on developing comprehensive project plans and schedules, ensuring the timely and efficient execution of projects while meeting all quality and safety standards. Planning engineers coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including project managers, contractors, and other engineering teams, to facilitate seamless project delivery.
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Senior Engineering Manager - Utility-Scale Solar & BESS
Location: Austin
Branche: Renewable Energy
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 5 years
Key responsibilities include: Lead all electrical engineering activities for utility-scale solar and BESS projects across development, design, construction, commissioning, and operations Provide technical direction and subject-matter expertise for both new projects and existing operating assets Collaborate with project management and procurement teams to support on-time and cost-effective delivery Coordinate engineering activities with EPC contractors, equipment vendors, utilities, and regulatory authorities Oversee engineering studies, feasibility assessments, and detailed design reviews Ensure compliance with NEC, IEEE, safety regulations, environmental standards, and internal engineering requirements Own MV/HV systems, substations, protection & control, and grid interconnection scope Support ERCOT interconnection processes and Texas grid requirements Monitor plant performance and recommend optimization strategies Review and approve technical documentation, drawings, reports, and specifications Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and sustainability Provide technical leadership to internal engineering teams and external partners
Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer
Location: Phoenix
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 4 years
In this role you will oversee underground excavation stability management functions including underground excavation support design and stability monitoring and serve as resource for Geomechanical information and analysis. Duties: Perform critical review of technical reports, analyses, design plans, specifications, cost estimates and develop appropriate recommendations. Stay abreast of the state of the practice in geotechnical engineering to fulfill this role. Manage projects and serve as subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion, or modifications. Provide guidance to site managers and engineers on applicable programs, practices, and regulations. Develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations to ensure a safe working environment based on relevant geological and stress conditions using empirical (Q or RMR), kinematic (unWedge) and stress (RS3, phase 2) based analysis methods. Manage and review underground excavation stability data collection, analysis and remedial work including underground excavation monitoring, data processing, rock strength parameters, and geologic structures. Proactively seek improvements to the safe mining of mine reserves relating to underground excavation monitoring, underground excavation maintenance, underground excavation support designs, Geomechanical data acquisition and analyses. Develop, maintain, and implement strategic plans to enhance the mine's underground excavation stability program. Manage and provide Geomechanical project oversight and review relating to outside consultants. Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment Represent the site on company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams. Perform other duties as requested. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and seven (7) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience; OR Master's degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and five (5) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience. Registered Professional Engineer. Knowledge in the principles and practices of mining, rock mechanics, geological, and/or geotechnical engineering or a related field of science or engineering. Expertise in modeling and numerical approaches to solving engineering challenges. Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD, and geotechnical analysis). Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience. Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others. Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards. Ability and willingness to travel internationally for at least 2 weeks every quarter.
Project Engineer III
Location: Baytown
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 0 years
Brunel is recruiting Project Engineers (Electrical & Instrumentation) to work with our client in Baytown, TX for initially 1 year contract. We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer with strong Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) expertise to support capital projects at in Baytown, TX. This role will focus heavily on PLC upgrades and DCS system modernization. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on E&I technical depth with strong project management experience, having successfully executed projects from conception through execution and closeout - specifically within E&I or PLC-DCS scopes. Responsibilities: Lead or support capital project execution from early concept through project closeout. Accountable for Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), Cost, and Schedule performance. Define project deliverables, milestones, and execution strategies. Manage contractors, particularly within E&I scopes. Drive construction progress and oversee field execution. Support procurement activities (materials requisitioning, expediting E&I components). Administer contracts, review terms, and support negotiations. Manage project change requests and endorse change authorizations. Lead project closeout and turnover to site operations. Execute projects involving: PLC upgrades and migrations to DCS systems Electrical distribution and control systems Instrumentation design and integration Demonstrated experience with PLC-to-DCS migrations is highly preferred. Support industrial automation integration and system modernization. Consider cybersecurity and control systems integration best practices. Experience in both: Greenfield projects Brownfield upgrades Ensure adherence to Project Safety Plan and site SSH&E standards. Support SSHE planning and execution strategies. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards. Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR) and constructability reviews. Participate in ITT development, bid evaluations, and contractor selection. Develop execution planning (engineering, procurement, contracting). Interface between Project Team and contractors. Coordinate across project, manufacturing, and functional teams. Support remote execution strategies when appropriate, with strategic site visits as required.
Project Engineer
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Project Engineer Location: Vancouver (Hybrid) or Calgary (Remote) Introduction Brunel is seeking a Project Engineer on behalf of our mining client in Vancouver or Calgary to support a major crusher replacement capital project. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Project Engineer will be responsible for overseeing engineering consultant contracts and supporting the integration of scope, cost, and schedule across multiple concurrent infrastructure and material handling workstreams. This role will contribute to advancing the project through its next execution stage by reinforcing capital governance, managing scope interfaces, and ensuring engineering deliverables align with approved project controls. Working in collaboration with the Project Manager and Senior Engineering Manager, the Project Engineer will support coordinated delivery of multi-disciplinary engineering activities within a complex brownfield environment. Responsibilities Prepare and administer Scopes of Work (SOW) for engineering consultants, including Requests for Proposal (RFPs), change directives, and scope amendments associated with crusher replacement and related infrastructure components. Oversee assigned scope areas in collaboration with the Project Manager, including material handling systems, infrastructure relocations, and water management workstreams. Review engineering consultant performance against approved scope, schedule, and budget baselines, identifying risks, gaps, or variances. Contribute to internal and consultant progress meetings, providing status updates and facilitating resolution of technical and scheduling matters within assigned areas. Integrate assigned scope elements within the overall Project Master Schedule (Primavera P6), ensuring sequencing and milestone alignment across interdependent workstreams. Evaluate scope modifications through the project Change Management process, assessing technical, schedule, and cost implications. Administer project controls documentation, including decision logs, issues registers, and related execution tracking tools. Assist in the preparation of Project Execution Plan documentation and stage-gate deliverables in alignment with capital governance requirements. Interface with engineering leadership and discipline leads to promote alignment across civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and environmental scopes. Prepare inputs for monthly reporting, summarizing progress, risks, and forecast considerations for assigned scope areas. Foster effective working relationships with site operations and technical teams to facilitate integration of engineering activities within the broader project environment. Requirements Bachelor's degree in civil, Mechanical, Mining, Electrical, or a related Engineering discipline from an accredited institution. Minimum five years of progressive experience supporting capital projects within mining or heavy industrial environments. Experience coordinating engineering consultants and supporting delivery of multiple concurrent scope areas within a structured capital project framework. Experience working within operating or brownfield environments is preferred. Strong understanding of capital project governance, including scope management, contract administration, change control, schedule integration, and risk management. Proficiency in Primavera P6 for development and maintenance of integrated project schedules. Experience supporting crusher replacement programs, material handling systems, or major infrastructure upgrades within mining operations is considered an asset. Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is required.
Reservoir Engineer
Location: Spring
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Marketing & Sales
Experience: 0 years
Key Responsibilities Reservoir Engineering & Simulation Build, run, and evaluate dynamic reservoir simulation models Conduct depletion strategy evaluations and technical studies (PVT, inflow/outflow, relative permeability, SCAL, etc.) Support asset acquisition evaluations through technical and depletion assessments Participate in and lead peer reviews to maintain technical standards Provide input to drilling, facilities, and project teams Mentor junior reservoir engineers and support technical development Prepare clear technical documentation and present findings to leadership Economic Modeling & Forecasting Develop, maintain, and enhance economic models in ComboCurve Build fiscal structures including CAPEX, OPEX, A&D, pricing, royalties, and working interest assumptions Execute well, pad, and type curve forecasts for development scenarios Run full-cycle economics including sensitivities, price cases, and timing scenarios Align economic outputs with corporate planning and value assurance standards Improve workflows and automate recurring economic evaluations Risk & Cross-Functional Support Support risk and uncertainty analysis and value-of-information studies Collaborate with reservoir, geology, drilling, planning, and finance teams Deliver technical presentations and timely updates to management Support regulatory compliance and maintain high ethical standards
Project Engineer
Location: Bagdad
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Quality Management
Experience: 0 years
Hired candidate will provide technical expertise, guidance and leadership for a variety of designated engineering projects and programs at assigned project under general supervision. The position will support the Tailing Storage Facility (TSF) Engineering Manager and a project team to manage the consultant developing the TSF detailed engineering phase and the engineering field support. Essential Functions: Reviews, investigates and develops appropriate recommendations regarding assigned engineering projects. Serves as technical expert on a wide range of small to medium site construction, expansion or modification projects. Evaluates and administers contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment. Provides guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable processes, practices, and existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations.
Sr. Engineer - Operational Improvement Equipment Life Cycle
Location: Phoenix
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
As a Senior Engineer you will plan, organize, manage and evaluate designated engineering projects and programs, ensuring the successful conclusion of all phases on time and within budget. Duties include: Review, investigate and develop appropriate recommendations regarding assigned engineering projects. Manage projects and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion or modifications. Provide guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable processes, practices, or existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations. Contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for designated engineering area. Develop and evaluate AFE's (Authorization for Expenditure) for capital funding requests. May evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment. May represent the site on company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams. Works on complex issues and implements solutions mostly through the determination of strategy and delegation to others in a group of functional area. Often collaborates with managers and/or functional or site leaders and has some interaction with external colleagues. Works under moderate supervision and has some latitude to set objectives, priorities and timelines that may impact department or individual work group. Contributes to budget preparation by supplying costs and recommendations. Manages appropriate project budgets for consulting services. Manages a specific program or project, but typically does not supervise people.
Field Engineer
Location: Burlington
Branche: Renewable Energy
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 2 years
We are seeking a Civil Field Engineer with experience in linear water rehabilitation projects (such as sewer systems). This is an on-site role supporting a sewer rehabilitation project for a utility client in the Boston area. The Field Engineer will act as the Owner's Representative, supporting construction activities in the field and coordinating with the design engineering team as needed. Serve as Owner's Representative on-site Review drawings, RFIs, and other technical documents Provide technical support to contractors in the field Coordinate with the design engineering office when changes are required Ensure work complies with contract documents and specifications Interpret engineering drawings and specifications Perform field design checks and minor redesigns as needed Support subcontract administration and procurement activities Monitor subcontractor progress and performance Assist with cost control, scheduling, and material tracking Maintain project documentation and records Support construction planning and invoice approvals Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards Assist with inspections and verification of completed work Support continuous improvement and change management efforts
Project Controls Engineer III - Lead Cost
Location: Pheonix
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 4 years
🕒 Contract Positions - Major Mining Projects The Project Controls Engineer III - Lead Cost will support large-scale mining projects focused on infrastructure project across multiple mine sites. located in Phoenix, Arizona and will eventually move to a 4x1 rotation* in Morenci, AZ at the project site. 🛠️ Key Responsibilities: Lead cost control processes across projects-develop cost control systems, track commitments, accruals, forecasts, and change management Own and manage the cost scope of the change management process using company systems Prepare and deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly cost performance reports at both project and corporate levels Review design and procurement changes for cost and schedule impacts; identify quantity variances based on MTOs Forecast, evaluate risks, and recommend corrective actions for schedule slippage or cost overruns Interface with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to align scopes and track performance Conduct contractor audits (equipment, time, invoicing) to validate cost accuracy Prepare cost estimates for minor scopes and review change orders for compliance Drive solutions to project controls issues and continuously improve processes
Mechanical Technician II
Location: Carlsbad
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 0 years
Key Responsibilities Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical components and rotating equipment Assist mechanical engineers in planning and testing mechanical systems and machinery Execute work according to approved job plans and procedures Review job packs prior to execution and provide feedback for improvements Identify safety risks associated with each task and ensure hazards are mitigated before work begins Actively participate in all required job safety processes and tools Request required work permits and notify supervision if permits are delayed beyond 30 minutes Record equipment history and maintenance data in systems such as Global Reliability Tool (GRT) and data sheets Support preparation of cost estimates and maintenance proposals as needed Communicate equipment conditions clearly and recommend corrective actions
What do planning engineers do?
Planning engineers are responsible for several key tasks throughout the project lifecycle. They meticulously analyze project requirements and objectives to create detailed plans, encompassing timelines, resource allocation, and budget estimates. These professionals collaborate with project managers to set achievable milestones and deadlines, allowing for efficient project monitoring and progress tracking.
Moreover, planning engineers continuously assess project risks and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential delays and disruptions. They monitor the project's progress, identify any deviations from the original plan, and propose corrective actions to ensure the project remains on schedule.
Planning engineers utilize various project management tools and software to create and manage Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and resource utilization charts. These tools aid in effective project planning and resource allocation, allowing for the optimization of manpower and equipment utilization.
What are the required skills for a planning engineer?
To excel as a planning engineer, individuals must possess a diverse skill set. Exceptional organizational skills are essential for managing complex project plans and multiple timelines effectively. Planning engineers should be adept at problem-solving, as they often encounter unforeseen challenges that require quick and efficient resolution to keep the project on track.
Communication skills are crucial for successful collaboration with project stakeholders and team members. Planning engineers need to convey complex technical information and project updates clearly and concisely. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of project management methodologies and techniques to develop efficient and realistic project schedules.
Where do planning engineers work?
Planning engineers find employment opportunities in a variety of industries, especially in construction, infrastructure development, manufacturing, and large-scale project management. They may work for construction companies, engineering firms, government agencies, or any organization involved in project planning and execution.
Common planning engineer responsibilities
Develop comprehensive project plans and schedules, considering project requirements, objectives, and available resources;
Collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders to set realistic milestones and deadlines for project completion;
Continuously monitor project progress, identify potential delays, and implement corrective measures to keep the project on track;
Conduct risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions;
Utilize project management tools and software to create Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and resource utilization charts;
Coordinate with engineering teams, contractors, and suppliers to ensure timely and efficient project execution;
Optimize resource allocation and manpower utilization to maximize project efficiency;
Provide regular project updates to stakeholders, keeping them informed of project status and any changes to the plan;
Comply with safety regulations and quality standards throughout the project;
Maintain detailed project documentation, including plans, schedules, and progress reports.
Qualifications for planning engineers
To become a planning engineer, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Additional certifications in project management or relevant software proficiency can be advantageous.
Other essential qualifications include:
- 2-4+ years of experience in project planning and scheduling;
- Proficiency in project management tools and software;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities;
- Extensive experience with project management methodologies;
- Detail-oriented and highly organized;
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams;
- Dedicated to completing projects on time and within the budget.
