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.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now for a job as a Planning engineer
Mining Engineer - Long-Term Planning
Location: Val-d'Or
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Introduction Our client is seeking a Mining Engineer - Long‑Term Planning to support the development of strategic mine plans and the optimization of long‑term resource extraction. Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent of Engineering, this role is responsible for creating operating strategies aligned with long‑range schedules, conducting economic and technical evaluations, and ensuring best practices in reserve planning. The Mining Engineer contributes directly to the safe, efficient, and profitable development of mineral reserves. Responsibilities Contribute to the updating, optimization, and execution of long‑term budget planning and LOM (Life of Mine) schedules. Develop and analyze risks and opportunities for long‑range planning scenarios, including "target" and "growth" cases. Act as a Qualified Person (QP) for the approval and documentation of mining reserves. Support the implementation and adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and engineering procedures. Assist engineering teams in defining safe and efficient operational methods for long‑term mine development. Collaborate with cross‑functional departments to resolve technical challenges and support operational alignment. Coordinate technical work performed by external consultants and contractors. Contribute to the completion of technical studies, strategic evaluations, and mine optimization assessments. Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to planning processes, engineering standards, and compliance frameworks. Perform additional duties related to long‑term planning and engineering as required. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering. Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar long‑term planning or engineering role. Member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Valid General Explosives Permit. Completion of FMTM modules 1-5 and 7. Strong project management skills with the ability to lead and coordinate multiple planning activities. Versatility, autonomy, and adaptability in a dynamic and evolving mining environment. Proactive mindset and collaborative approach to teamwork and problem‑solving. Solid understanding of the RSSM and applicable mining regulations. Strong commitment to safety, quality, and long‑term operational performance.
HVC Site Project Planning Specialist
Location: Logan Lake
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Works with the Senior Project planning specialist to integrate scheduling and planning activities with regulatory bodies, external consultants and internal groups. Maintains a program master schedule. Performs quality reviews on third party schedules. Recommends corrective actions and supervises their implementation. Integrates third party schedules into overall program master schedule. Responsible for identifying schedule deviations on scope with package owner, and working with package owner to identify and implement mitigations. Notifies package owners on potential schedule trends and opportunities for improvement. Responsible for integrating subcontractor schedules into master schedule. Responsible to support forecasting on a monthly basis, as directed by Project Controls Lead (Manager). Responsible to support project reporting and project presentations, as directed by Project Controls Lead (Manager). Responsible for performing scheduling audits on service providers, as appropriate. Responsible for providing schedule input to help the project team define project execution plans and scope Responsible for ensuring Project Controls Overviews and Standards are properly applied and followed on a project with respect to Planning.
Engineering Superintendent
Location: Val-d'Or
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
Introduction Brunel is currently looking for an Engineering Superintendent for one of our mining clients located near Val-d'Or, Québec. As an Engineering Superintendent, you will lead and manage the full engineering function for an underground mining operation. Reporting to the General Manager, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to engineering teams, oversee critical projects, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and support production objectives. This role plays a central part in driving operational performance, technical excellence, and long-term mine development planning. Responsibilities Provide leadership and direction to the engineering department to support production and operational objectives. Supervise and mentor engineering teams, including technicians, engineers‑in‑training, and professional engineers. Lead health and safety prevention initiatives within the engineering group. Develop, update, and implement departmental procedures and engineering standards. Prepare and manage the engineering department's annual budget. Oversee the preparation of technical reports, performance monitoring, and monthly engineering updates. Maintain strong communication and collaboration with other operational departments. Manage major engineering projects such as area development, ventilation planning, and infrastructure design. Collaborate with external consultants on studies, audits, and specialized projects. Act as a Qualified Person (QP) for annual reserve calculations and related reporting. Support technical specialists (ventilation, blasting, ground control, backfill) in optimizing their respective programs. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal standards, and industry best practices. Participate in short‑, medium‑, and long‑term mine planning activities. Contribute to the design of development headings, infrastructure, and production areas. Support the application of laws, regulations, standards, and procedures relevant to mine engineering. Perform other related duties aligned with engineering management responsibilities. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering. Minimum 15 years of direct experience in underground mining operations. Member in good standing with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Experience supervising mining operations considered an asset. Proficiency with Deswik, Ventsim, and the Microsoft Office suite. Strong knowledge of both long‑hole and conventional mining methods. Completion of FMTM modules (1-5, 7). Valid General Explosives Permit. Strong technical and organizational leadership capabilities. Excellent communication skills in both French and English. Collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑moving environment. Commitment to health, safety, operational performance, and engineering excellence. Critical thinking, rigor, and strong strategic analytical skills.
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.
Petroleum Engineer
Location: Midland, TX
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Design, plan, and provide engineering execution support to wellwork operations post-completion, inclusive of drillouts & initial completions. Liaise with Production Engineering to provide cost & scope for initial completion installation. Interface with Development & Completion engineering to understand well designs & challenges on a well-by-well basis. Develop procedures and provide design input to artificial lift systems & drillout operations. Interface with Integrated Scheduling & Operations Team for rig scheduling, execution support, and troubleshooting Liaise with specialist contractors & suppliers for cost and equipment readiness Monitor daily progress of wellwork operations, track daily costs, and recommend cost-effective changes where necessary; travel to company designated sites when necessary Support completion spend forecasting and budget preparation. Track, analyze, and continually improve drillout execution efficiency; manage contractor performance; steward and analyze Wellview data quality
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.
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
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.
Project Engineer - DMS / EMS
Branche: Infrastructure
Expertise: IT & Shared Services
Experience: 0 years
We are supporting a leading organization in the power and utilities sector delivering mission-critical grid and energy management solutions. This role focuses on the implementation, configuration, and support of Energy Management System (EMS) and Distribution Management System (DMS) platforms used by utilities and system operators in real-time control center environments. You will play a key role in deploying and maintaining complex grid applications that support generation, transmission, and distribution operations. Key Responsibilities Implement, install, configure, customize, and upgrade DMS / EMS systems for utilities and system operators Support control center environments, ensuring system reliability, redundancy, and availability Configure and maintain databases and system integrations supporting EMS/DMS platforms Work closely with engineering, operations, and project teams throughout system delivery and upgrades Support system automation, configuration, and troubleshooting across enterprise environments 5+ years of experience implementing and supporting DMS / EMS systems for utilities or system operators Hands-on experience with one or more of the following platforms: GE PowerOn Reliance (XA21) GE eTerra Siemens Spectrum Power OSI Monarch or similar energy management products Strong programming experience with C/C++ and Java Experience working with Oracle and/or SQL Server databases Experience with basic scripting for configuration or automation Solid understanding of power system fundamentals, including: Generation Transmission Distribution Experience with network applications such as: Power Flow Contingency Analysis State Estimation Load Forecasting Hands-on experience with utility communication protocols, including: IEC 101 / 104 DNP3 Modbus ICCP Experience working across Linux and Windows environments Knowledge of network security, redundancy, and failover mechanisms in control center systems
Facilities Engineer / Specialist I
Location: Spring
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 3 years
* Facilitate and coordinate discipline engineering technical work products* Coordination and communication of various issues among the company's and contractor's engineering team that affect the discipline engineering design, safety, and regulatory compliance of the work* Evaluate / comment work performed by the Contractor and sub-contractors to insure that the work is being executed in accordance with Company specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements. Includes review of discipline design drawings and documents* Identify and assess deviations to Contract Technical Specifications and regulatory requirements; ensure that such deviations will be processed according to Company procedures; maintains Deviation Control Log.* Steward discipline engineering queries from the Contractor and sub-contractors as well as technical information requests* Keep Lead Engineer or Engineering Manager informed of discipline engineering progress, deviations, and execution concerns* Participate in discipline engineering reviews at Contractor's and subcontractor's locations* Drives and promotes capital efficiency in engineering design* Support internal engineering general interest or Global Practice initiatives as requested by Supervisor
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.
